After learning how many Premier League Manager of the Month honours Sir Alex Ferguson received during his incredible tenure as Manchester United’s manager, Pep Guardiola was taken aback.
Despite the fact that Ferguson is regarded by many as the best manager of the Premier League era, it is possible that Guardiola will challenge him for that title in the future. Since moving to the Etihad Stadium, the Catalan native has been almost flawless, leading the Citizens to six Premier League victories and following Sir Alex’s example by completing a historic triple in 2023.
Even though the 53-year-old is now going through one of his most difficult stints as City’s manager—he has only won one of his past 13 games in charge as of this writing—his successful run has earned him multiple accolades, including multiple Premier League Manager of the Month honours.
Guardiola’s Manager of the Month Record
The former Barcelona manager hasn’t won the award since 2021
It’s odd to note that Guardiola hasn’t earned the Manager of the Month title in the Premier League since December 2021. This indicates that the former coach of Barcelona and Bayern Munich was not named the best manager at any point throughout his treble-winning year.
The head of Arsenal Since Guardiola was last elected Manager of the Month, Mikel Arteta has won the individual title six times, while Erik ten Hag, the former manager of Manchester United, has won it twice. Three times, during the first few months of his tenure as Tottenham manager, Ange Postecoglou has taken home the trophy. Even Mike Jackson, Burnley’s caretaker manager in 2022, has won the prize.
It indicates that Guardiola has spent more than three years locked on the 11-award list. The innovative coach has won more awards than all but two managers in history, though, and there are no prizes for figuring out who they are.
During his 22-year tenure as Arsenal’s manager from 1996 to 2018, Arsene Wenger won it 15 times, but Ferguson’s total astounded Guardiola. After learning that Fergie was miles apart from everyone else, Pep hinted that he would soon be confronting both Wenger and Fergie.
Guardiola shocked by Sir Alex Ferguson’s record
Guardiola remains far behind the legendary Scot
In January 2022, Guardiola acknowledged that even he had no chance of reaching Ferguson’s record after learning about it. Only Wenger and Ferguson have won more than you, Pep, the Man City manager was questioned by a reporter. Is that something you can be proud of, then?
“Be careful, Sir Alex, Arsene,” the City manager retorted with a wry smirk. I’ll be there. “[Ferguson] won 27, Pep, so not too many,” the reporter continued. In a humorous moment, Guardiola swiftly withdrew his statement after being shocked by the enormous number of goals Ferguson had to his name.
“How many?” he exclaimed. “Oh my gosh! All right, it’s his! I will definitely not pursue him. View the video below:
Pep’s reaction to finding out Sir Alex Ferguson won 27 Manager of the Month awards is just brilliant 😂
🔗 https://t.co/SSpIIrdG9H pic.twitter.com/RJZ84TD3S9
— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) January 14, 2022
Guardiola Tops Premier League Points-Per-Game Chart
The Catalan has the edge over Ferguson in this competition
Even though Ferguson won the Premier League 13 times and is still regarded by most football fans as the best manager in the league’s history, Guardiola has the best points-per-match record (2.31 points per game). Guardiola’s 322 games are far more than Ferguson’s 810, despite Ferguson’s 2.16 points per game ranking second on the list.
Statistics for the Top 10 Greatest Premier League Managers
Place
Name
Matches
Seasons
Points
Points for Each Game
First
Guardiola, Pep
322
9.
744
2.31
Second
Alex Ferguson, sir
810.
21
1,752
2.16
Third
Klopp, Jurgen
334
9.
705
2.11
Fourth
Mancini, Roberto
133
4.
273
2.05
Fifth
Mourinho, Jose
362
Twelve
735
2.03
Sixth
Conte, Antonio
132
4.
268
2.03
7th
Arteta Mikel
189
6.
372
1.97
The eighth
Wenger, Arsene
828
22
1,627
1.96
9th
Tuchel, Thomas
63
3.
122
1.94
The 10th
Ancelotti, Carlo
134
4.
246
1.84
While Wenger, Jose Mourinho, and Jurgen Klopp would all deserve honourable mentions, Ferguson and Guardiola are undoubtedly included in the discussion of the league’s greatest manager ever. During their tenures as managers in England’s top division, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte amassed more than two points per game; nonetheless, neither coach is currently contending with the other five for the title of greatest Premier division manager ever.
Guardiola still has time to improve his team’s performance and raise his average number of points per game, even with City’s recent setbacks. The renowned manager has subsequently experienced the worst period of his managerial career, despite having inked a new two-year contract with the team in November.
