The ex-Manchester United defender has commented on comparisons between his legendary former boss and Man City manager Pep Guardiola

Rio Ferdinand says fans should just ‘respect’ both Pep Guardiola and Sir Alex Ferguson (Image: Getty Images)

Rio Ferdinand has likened comparisons between Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to those of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Last season’s historic Champions League win, which sealed the treble for City, was Guardiola’s 14th major honour in seven seasons at the Etihad. By contrast, Sir Alex Ferguson won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two Champions League titles, during 26 seasons with the Reds.

Following City’s incredible level of success in recent seasons, predictable comparisons have been drawn between the two Manchester clubs’ most successful managers. But United legend Ferdinand believes fans should not be forced to choose a favourite – and should instead just enjoy both legendary bosses.

In an interview with Kick Game, Ferdinand said: “It’s like [Lionel] Messi and [Cristiano] Ronaldo. Why do we have to choose?

“Why is it always that we’ve got to choose? When it’s greatness vs greatness, you’ve just got to respect it. I love them both for different reasons.”

But the former England defender did reserve some special praise for Guardiola. He added: “Pep, he’s like an innovator. He’s like Rain Man almost, thinking on another side of the spectrum almost.

“It comes to pre-season, then he goes, ‘What we did last season, it was brilliant. But I’ve got a new one [tactic]’.

“The new thing’s here and he throws it out, and everyone goes, ‘You’re mad’. But all of a sudden, it works.”

Ferdinand’s assessments of Guardiola and Sir Alex echoes his previous comments on Ronaldo and Messi. Speaking on BT Sport in 2018, he said: “All the great sportsmen have had that someone else to feed off and this is another great rivalry in football. They don’t talk about it, there seems to be respect between them, but they’re just phenomenal to watch.

“People try and make comparisons about who’s better, just enjoy them, man.”