Jose Mourinho dodges Manchester United question as rivals City announce Pep Guardiola as boss

Mourinho remains the favourite for the Old Trafford post should Louis van Gaal leave his post in the next few months

Jose Mourinho has refused to answer a question on whether he will renew his rivalry with Pep Guardiola in Manchester.
Guardiola has been confirmed as the new manager of Manchester City and will take on the role, replacing Manuel Pellegrini, from June 30.
Mourinho remains the favourite to replace Louis van Gaal at Manchester United, should the Dutchman lose his job.
But while Mourinho attended Gianni Infantino's FIFA press conference at Wembley on Monday, he refused to answer questions on the United post.

The Portuguese boss was involved in a host of fiery clashes with Guardiola when he was manager of Real Madrid and the Spaniard was at Barcelona.

United? Could Mourinho and Guardiola renew their rivalry in Manchester? 

As he walked into the conference, he was asked: "Jose, now Pep's going to Manchester City, do you fancy the United job?"
He walked past shaking his head, not acknowledging the reporter.

And Mourinho refused to wish City's new boss luck on his latest venture, according to another journalist at the scene.
Outgoing boss Manuel Pellegrini confirmed he will leave City on June 30 to make way for Guardiola.

Pep Guardiola trophies

2

Champions League

3

Club World Cup

5

Domestic titles

6

Domestic cups

3

UEFA Super Cup

City released a statement which read: "Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalised contractual negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become MCFC head coach for the 2016-17 EPL season onwards.

"The contract is for thee years. These negotiations were a re-commencement of discussions that were curtailed in 2012."
Pellegrini, who told City's players of his decision today, said: "Before I finish, I want to tell you I have talked with the club and I will finish my contract on the original date.

"I signed for one year more, but with the clause that the club or me can choose not to use that stuff now, so I finish here on the original date, June 30, so there is not the speculation.

"The club are not doing anything behind me, I knew this one month ago, but I don't think it's good to have rumour or speculation about these things, so I prefer to finish today, which I why I have told the players and I have told the press.
"I also spoke to the club two weeks ago and said that I would do it."

Manchester City's statement in full:

"Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commented and finalised contractual negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become MCFC Head coach for the 16/17 EPL season onwards.
"The contract is for three years. These negotiations were a re-commencement of discussions that were curtailed in 2012.





"Out of respect for Manuel Pellegrini and the players, the Club wishes to make its decision public to remove the unnecessary burden of speculation.

"Manuel Pellegrini, who is fully supportive of the decision to make this communication is entirely focused on achieving his targets for the season ahead of retaining the respect and commitment of all involved with the leadership of the Club."