Manchester United have reportedly attempted to calm speculation that former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola is poised to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.

Reports within Spain have suggested that a meeting between the Scotsman and Guardiola in New York this week marked the start of a new managerial transition at the North-West club.

Despite these rumours, the former Premier League champions have claimed that the meeting was "by chance" and that Ferguson was in New York solely to cheer on Andy Murray in his US Open victory, according to The Express.

Guardiola decided to move to the Big Apple for a year's sabbatical after leaving the Nou Camp at the end of last season.