Manchester United to snub Pep Guardiola, hand Louis van Gaal £200m war chest

The Sun claim that Manchester United are so happy with Van Gaal that they would snub Pep Guardiola were he to become available.

The Guardian also run a piece stating that United will stand by Van Gaal despite growing discontent from some quarters of the United support.

"United’s information is that Guardiola will not renew his current deal and wants to work in English football but that will not interest them because of the timing of his availability and their support for Louis van Gaal," writes their chief football writer Daniel Taylor.

The Sun adds that they are ready to back the Dutchman in the transfer market to the tune of £200m, with the club ready to back Van Gaal's pursuit of a marquee signing.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Gareth Bale or Thomas Muller are all said to be interesting the United manager, and while it is unlikely that United will try to lure any of said stars in January, the Old Trafford club are expected to step their interest up come the summer.

What seems increasingly likely is that Guardiola will not be taking over at United next season if he does indeed elect not to renew his contract with Bayern.

What seems less clear, is the reason. It was only a few weeks ago that much of the national press were reporting that United would relieve Van Gaal of his position were Guardiola to indicate that he was interested in the job. Now the same papers are reporting that United will snub Guardiola. So, what has changed? Well, a cynic would suggest that Guardiola indicated to United that he was not interested in taking on the role and as such United have reacted accordingly and briefed the press to possibly save face.

However, what is most important United have some continuity going forward. They have made their decision and will back Van Gaal and that can only be a good thing. Furthermore, a signing in the mould of Ronaldo, Neymar, Bale or Muller would completely transform this United side.