BRUCE: HOGAN CAN BE A HERO

PEP GUARDIOLA would now be manager of Manchester United and not neighbours City if former chairman Martin Edwards was still in control.

Edwards was not an admirer of Jose Mourinho’s pragmatism – and he was not alone in the Old Trafford boardroom. Edwards (above), publicising his book Red Glory – Manchester United And Me, said: “If I’d have been in charge when Sir Alex Ferguson called it a day I would have gone for Guardiola. “You never know whether he would have been a success, but that was the route I’d have gone down.” Edwards has since changed his mind about Mourinho (left), adding: “I now believe the right manager is in place.” STEVE BRUCE is backing striker Scott Hogan to sting his former club this afternoon – and get Aston Villa’s promotion push back up and running.

The 25-year-old (above) will play against Brentford for the first time since his £12million switch in January. Hogan failed to make an impact at Villa Park last season, scoring just once.

But Bruce is backing the hitman to come good, following his double against Wigan in the Carabao Cup last month.

The Villa boss said: “Hogan has probably been in the best form since he’s been at the club. Two goals against Wigan and, all of a sudden, we can all see what a really good player he is.”

Hogan has lost his starting place to rookie Keinan Davis and Bruce added: “Sometimes it takes a little bit of time to get used to new surroundings. Hopefully, he can start producing what I know he’s capable of. It can just take a goal.”