Jose Mourinho is a “good contender” to become the next manager of Manchester United, according to former defender Mikael Silvestre.
The exiled Chelsea boss has insisted he will be back in management soon following recent speculation he has held talks with Old Trafford hierarchy about replacing Louis van Gaal.
Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea in December and has been linked with United since, given the club’s difficult season under Van Gaal.
And Silvestre, who made 361 appearances for the Red Devils in a nine-year spell which yielded five Premier League titles and a Champions League, reckons Mourinho is one of the front-runners for the hotseat if the club make a change.
“Of course, I think he could be a good contender for the next job but right now Van Gaal is still in charge,” the 38-year-old said during his special guest appearance at the Emirates Islamic National School League (NSL) Finals Day.
“Before Louis van Gaal became manager everyone imagined it would be a good fit (but it changes). You only know whether the manager is the right man when he’s in charge and if he starts to deliver. I hope Van Gaal can turn things around and have the team perform in a constant way to win trophies.
“It’s either you stay patient or switch completely, it might be premature but one thing is for sure he knows the critics are there.”
Silvestre has watched United at Old Trafford this term and followed their progress closely but is disappointed with the negative football the team have produced.
Former #MUFC and #AFC star @IamMSilvestre is #NSL360 Guest of Honour today! Great to have him supporting Finals Day! pic.twitter.com/BWN513SAVW
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“It’s not the United way of playing, that’s for sure. It’s take too long for the team to get into attacking positions and to threaten the opposition, it’s not the way the club is normally playing so that’s why it’s a bit frustrating for the fans.
“For me there’s been a lack of spark and this is coming from either the manager or the players, they have to lift themselves and try to reach the goal which is to give pleasure to the fans and win trophies. It’s not an easy task but they’ve spent enough and the talent is there I think.”
United were quiet during the recent January transfer window and failed to add to their squad but Silvestre insists the board have to be patient in the search for new signings after the financial outlay the club made last summer.
“The club can afford almost anybody but you have to be sensible about what you do in the market. I don’t know what the owners and board have in mind.”
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Having played in the same side as United assistant manager Ryan Giggs for the best part of a decade, Silvestre is all too aware of the Old Trafford legend’s qualities which he believes will see him manage the club one day.
“I think Ryan is in the best place to learn the job, he knows that already (having been caretaker manager). One thing for sure with him, you have no question about if he’s going to embrace the United way of football. For me it’s just a matter of time of when he’s going to be in charge”
Frenchman Silvestre played with Giggs for the best part of a decade.
