Micah Richards explains why Pep Guardiola is the GOAT manager rather than Sir Alex Ferguson

Micah Richards explained why Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is the greatest manager of all time.

Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson is the most successful manager of all time.

Best known for managing United between 1986 to 2013, the Scot is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time, having won more trophies than any other boss in the history of football.

But Richards, a former City full-back has insisted Guardiola is the greatest manager in history.

Guardiola built one of the greatest sides in history while at Barcelona between 2008 and 2012, winning in treble 2009, before a trophy-laden spell at Bayern Munich and City.

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast Richards said: “It’s subjective but I would say in the modern era yes.

“His Barcelona side, they won the treble.”

Gary Lineker interjected, adding: “[He won] five trophies with them as well, the same as he did with Manchester City in 2023.”

Richards continued: “That’s what I mean, I just believe he evolved the game so much, and that’s no disrespect to the other managers.

“I really like Fergie - Sir Alex Ferguson - I really liked the way he could galvanise his teams. You always knew something special would happen and they would fight to the end.

“And that’s coming from someone who plays for City.

“Fergie was always my number one from my era, but just how the game’s transformed, I would have to say Pep.”

Lineker added: “I think [Carlo] Ancelotti’s got to have an argument. You could argue he’s transformed [Jude] Bellingham into a No.10, but I think Bellingham has done that himself.

“It’s just the way Pep changes players and improves players, and I think the difference with Ancelotti - who would have to be in anyone’s top three given his record - is how Pep’s changed the game and other coaches copy him and follow, and that’s the sign of true greatness.”