Watch moment cheeky Man Utd mascot stops Pep Guardiola before Community Shield with eight-word request
A CHEEKY Manchester United mascot stopped Pep Guardiola before the Community Shield on Saturday with a special request.
After beating City to win the FA Cup title last season United faced the Premier League champions in the annual pre-season curtain raiser at Wembley.
ITVMan Utd mascot stopped Pep Guardiola with a special request before the Community Shield on Saturday[/caption]
ITVThe cheeky moment saw the mascot request Guardiola to ‘sign with England ‘[/caption]
Guardiola has been linked with the England manager role amid speculation he will leave the Etihad at the end of the upcoming season.
The Three Lions’ failure to secure the Euro 2024 title this summer pushed Gareth Southgate out the door.
And some England fans have been eager for Guardiola to step into the leading role given his success at City.
That includes a young mascot who Guardiola approached as he walked into Wembley Stadium this afternoon ahead of the Community Shield.
As he exited the team bus, Guardiola shook the hand of each mascot from both City and United who were lined up at the entrance to the stadium.
However, it was a boy in a Red Devils kit who made a bold request, saying: “Sign with England and lead us to World Cup victory.”
Guardiola didn’t appear to give the cheeky youngster an answer.
But the Man City boss kept his options open when quizzed about the possibility of taking the role in a recent interview.
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He said: “I have to decide what I want to do in my life. If I want to continue here, take a break, train national teams or not – many things.”
Adding: “Right now I am here and as you arrive at the competitions my energy rises again, so I am fully excited for the season because I see things that I like.”
And for now, Lee Carsley has been appointed as the new interim manager of England.
The former England U21 boss has been brought in to replace Southgate following his exit this summer and will begin his tenure against the Republic of Ireland – the nation he played for.
England are still searching for a permanent boss, but should Carsley impress in his stint as interim gaffer then he could be offered the role in the same way Southgate was at the beginning of his tenure.
Away from Carsley, it’s understood that Newcastle chief Eddie Howe and fellow Englishman Graham Potter are contenders for the permanent job, along with German ex-Chelsea chief Thomas Tuchel.
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England’s job advert for new boss
The FA’s seven requirements to succeed Gareth Southgate:
Will hold a Uefa Pro License.
Will have significant experience of English football, with a strong track record delivering results in the Premier League and/or leading international competitions.
Will be an exceptional leader who understands and will enjoy the international football environment.
Will be experienced in successfully identifying, managing and developing English qualified players.
Will be highly resilient and comfortable in a very high-profile role with intense public scrutiny.
Will have a track record of creating a high performing, positive team culture and environment.
Will have strong personal values and integrity and understand and embrace the role that the England Men’s Senior Team Head Coach has inspiring the nation.
