Pep Guardiola wins first battle with Jose Mourinho as Man City sign Argentina wonderkid from under noses of Manchester United
Benjamin Garre, 15, has pictures with all his favourite Old Trafford stars but opted for move to Etihad Stadium instead
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Pep Guardiola has won his first battle against Jose Mourinho — the signing of Argentinian wonderkid, Benjamin Garre from Velez Sarsfield.
The 15-year-old was a target for a host of top European clubs, and recently admitted he could move to Manchester United in the future.
He spent a period with the Red Devils, and said at the time: “I was taken to see the club and train.
“Velez, as always, respected me and gave me the opportunity to travel.
“But I could not say if I will one day join [United] because this is something that my family is in charge of.”
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He enjoyed his time at Old Trafford and posted pictures on his Instagram alongside the likes of Angel Di Maria, Falcao and Marcos Rojo.
However, it is Man City have won the race for Garre’s signature.
Because the player is only 15, it means Velez will not see a penny — and they are extremely unhappy.
Garre was described as “one of the best youngsters we have” by the Buenos Aires side.
Guardiola and Mourinho clashed during their two years as Clasico rivals in Spain — with the pair winning a title apiece.
And now their rivalry is set to intensify as they take to the dug-outs of the huge Manchester rivals.
Guardiola has struck the first minor blow by signing Garre from under the former Chelsea boss’ nose.
It’s up to Mourinho to choose his next move.
Garre is the grandson of Oscar Garre, who was a member of Argentina's 1986 World Cup-winning squad.