Jamie Carragher says Pep Guardiola has now moved ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson as the GOAT manager

Jamie Carragher believes Pep Guardiola has moved ahead of Sir Alex Ferguson as the greatest manager in football history after he won the Champions League for the third time.

Guardiola won the coveted trophy twice with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011 by beating Ferguson's United in the final but experienced a number of disappointments in Europe with both Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

But after losing in the final to Chelsea in 2021, City were finally crowned champions of Europe in Istanbul after Rodri's strike sealed a 1-0 win over Inter Milan.

It completed a historic treble that matched Manchester United's achievement under Ferguson in 1999, with City also lifting both the Premier League and FA Cup in recent weeks.

Guardiola is the first coach since 13-time Premier League winner Ferguson to lead an English side to a trio of trophies in the same season and former Liverpool legend Carragher thinks the latest triumph sees him surpass the Scot.

He also claimed that this City side is "on a different level" to United's treble-winners from 1999, deeming the debate to be over.

Pep Guardiola celebrates winning the Champions League. Image: Alamy

"For as long as Guardiola is at the Etihad, they will be the side everyone else fears - the best resourced team with the best manager. By adding the European Cup to his City CV, Guardiola has also added weight to the argument he is the greatest coach of all time," Carragher told the Daily Telegraph.

"Sir Alex Ferguson’s supporters will always suggest otherwise. The reality is it is not even a debate beyond this country. At two different clubs, Guardiola has created a side which has produced the most perfect football I have ever seen live, first with his Barcelona Champions League winners of 2011 and now City in 2023.

"The argument about whether City’s treble winners are better than Ferguson’s of 1999 should be over, too. This City team is on a different level. City left Istanbul amid a sense of beginning in Europe rather than mere completion of their Abu Dhabi owners’ ultimate ambition.

"After the treble of 1999, Ferguson would wait another nine years to lift the European Cup, his side successful in the Champions League without dominating it. City can leave every rival in their wake. A dynasty is forming at City under Guardiola."

Image: Alamy

Only Ferguson (26) and Bob Paisley (13) have won more major titles with English clubs in men's football than Guardiola, who received a "touching message" from the long-time United boss prior to the victory over Inter.

The 52-year-old has more or less completed football but still has two years left on his contract at the Etihad Stadium after penning an extension in November.

However, The Guardian say Guardiola is expected to call time on his glittering stint when 2025 comes around.