Bayern Munich boss, Pep Guardiola, says he is honoured to face Manchester United, and jokes about receiving a contract offer from Sir Alex Ferguson.

Despite the English champion’s downturn, Guardiola insists he is still an honour to face a club of United’s stature.  

The Bavarians are trying to be the first team to defend the Champions League title since the competitions new format in 1992, but the Spaniard is wary of putting too much pressure on his side.

"To try to achieve the next round against a team like Manchester United is a real honour,” he said.

"The Champions League is not the most important title - the domestic league is - but it is the most prestigious.

"Now we are eight teams in the quarter-finals and every trainer and every player wants to win it - but it is not easy.

"We are going to try, you can be sure of that, but Bayern Munich have only won it twice since 1976, when Franz Beckenbauer led his team."

Guardiola also revealed that he had dinner with Sir Alex Ferguson when the former United manager searched for his successor.

He confirmed his admiration for and friendship with Ferguson, who retired from football management after 27 years, two Champions Leagues, 13 Premier League titles and five FA Cups with United.

"Sir Alex invited me to a superb restaurant and we had a very good time,” Guardiola added.

"It was friendly and, like always with me and since I started as a coach, he was so gentle and we spent a very good time together."

Guardiola then joked: "My English is not too good and sometimes he was probably speaking too quickly for me to understand - maybe that's why I didn't understand if I received an offer or not."

How would Manchester United perform if Sir Alex Ferguson had chosen Pep Guardiola instead of David Moyes? Have your say in the comment section below.