One of the big debates in English football is, who would you rather play under, Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola?

The two serial winners are arguably the two finest coaches in world football - aside from Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane - but in truth, they are polar opposites.

Mourinho is well-known as a pragmatic manager, with a huge emphasis on defending leads. The term 'park the bus' was coined by his negative tactics.

Then, you have Guardiola, who is simply the finest in the business at delivering sharp, attacking football, with all of his teams playing a very aesthetically-pleasing style of play.

As a defender, it is probably a dream to play in the former's team, a unit drilled into protecting the back line.

So, when former Manchester United man Rio Ferdinand was asked which manager he'd prefer, you'd think the current Red Devils boss would be his choice?

Well, think again.

Speaking on the Claire Balding show, the former England international was initially split on his decision but in the end, he opted for Guardiola.

FERDINAND'S CHOICE

"As a defender, Jose, because I'd get well protected," said Ferdinand.

"But if I was going there to commentate on my attacking players in front of me like I used to, Pep."

But when pushed for answer, Ferdinand added: "For enjoyment I'm going to go for Pep."

To be fair, you can kind of see where he's coming from, plus Ferdinand's style would have been ideal for Guardiola's system, similar to John Stones.

FERDINAND ON WHAT MOURINHO HAS TO DO AT UNITED THIS SEASON

The Englishman has in the past commented on the Special One's management of the club, suggesting that he has a lot to do to be considered a success in the north of England.

"The history suggests that you win titles and they’ve not done that for a number of years now," Ferdinand said.

"The fans want that, the fans have been given Jose Mourinho that little bit of time, the club have as well.

"He's gone out and invested heavily, very well but now he's got to go and produce and I think the problem he's got, he's got a very talented and strong City team as well, who are performing - they look the form side at the moment.

"I believe it will be a battle of the two Manchester clubs."

Who do you think will win the Premier League title this season? Have your say in the comment box below!