United opted to follow Ferguson’s advice and named David Moyes who lasted only 10 months while his replacement Louis Van Gaal was sacked after two seasons.
Edwards, United’s former chairman and chief executive, agrees that following Van Gaal’s dismissal in May 2016, Jose Mourinho was the right choice.
But had he still been in charge three years earlier he would have pursued Guardiola, who was taking a year’s sabbatical after four seasons in charge of Barcelona.
“I would have gone for Guardiola when he was available before Alex went,” said Edwards, who is the club’s honorary life president after stepping down as United’s supremo in 2003. “Because we knew he was leaving Barcelona and, before he committed himself to Bayern Munich, there was an opportunity to get him.
“Then he was on the crest of a wave. So I would have been looking at that situation, rightly or wrongly.
“He might not have proved to be a success but that is the route I would have been looking at, at that stage.”
Guardiola joined United’s neighbours and bitter rivals City a year ago when the Old Trafford hierarchy appointed Mourinho, who had been sacked by Chelsea the previous season.
Edwards admitted he had reservations about Mourinho’s pragmatic tactics and defensive style.
He said: “He was the right choice at that point [2016].
Maybe we would have had reservations before on the style but, I think the situation we were in, he was the right choice. He has the experience, the charisma and he has been successful.
“United supporters like a certain brand of football, they like a certain style and the last four years have not been brilliant.
“But winning the two trophies last year, and particularly the Europa League which we have never won before, and the way we have started off this season, I think there is a new hope. Jose understands the way Manchester United are expected to play.
“I have not always enjoyed the football in the last few years but I am certainly enjoying it more this season. I have got the buzz back now. I actually think we could be on to something.”
Martin Edwards was talking at the launch of ‘Red Glory: Manchester United and Me.’ Michael O’Mara books.