Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were offered to Manchester City by their agent in January, manager Pep Guardiola has claimed.
The astonishing revelation comes on the eve of an eagerly-anticipated Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium that could see City win the Premier League title if they beat rivals United.
The affairs of both players are managed by Mino Raiola and Guardiola made the claim after being asked about the agent, with whom he has had past differences, at his pre-match press conference.
In March, Raiola hit out at Guardiola over his treatment of Zlatan Ibrahimovic when the pair were at Barcelona, calling him "an absolute zero", a "coward" and a "dog."
Paul Pogba to sign for before 3rd September 2018 (odds via Sky Bet)
- Paris Saint-Germain - 8/1
- Real Madrid - 9/1
- Juventus - 20/1
- Bayern Munich - 25/1
- To stay at Manchester United - 1/10
Guardiola had been asked a question about his rivalry with United boss Jose Mourinho when he turned attention to agents.
He said: "I have many (rivals), especially agents. I have a lot. I am a big boss."
Asked if one of them was Raiola, Guardiola said: "Finally, the people discover my secrets, I am a bad guy. I'm a coward. I don't understand why I am a so bad guy.
"I never speak with him so his influence on my opinion... I don't know, maybe Ibra explained many things about me. But (this) guy two months ago he offered me Mkhitaryan and Pogba to play with us."
Shortly after Guardiola's comments, Pogba posted the above Tweet. Although it's unclear if this was related to the City boss' claims.
Guardiola claimed the cost of a deal for France midfielder Pogba would have been prohibitive but, in any case, is surprised Raiola would want to deal with someone he appears to have a low opinion of.
He said: "Pogba is an exceptional player. A top, top player. We don't have the money enough to buy Pogba because he is so expensive.
"But I'm surprised because I am a dog he wants his players to come to here. So, no. No way."
He jokingly added: "And comparing a dog is bad. It's not good. He has to respect the dogs."
Raiola, 50, is agent to several star players, including former Sweden and United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Italian told BBC Sport that he is a huge admirer of Guardiola but said: "I never spoke to Pep Guardiola. I would not speak to him about players; I would speak to Manchester City.
"They are a fantastic club with a fantastic manager."
Odds correct at 1710 BST on 06/04/18