'Appointing Mourinho would show how desperate Man Utd are'

Appointing Jose Mourinho as Manchester United manager in place of Louis van Gaal would demonstrate just how desperate the club are to return to their usual trophy winning ways, according to Jamie Carragher.

Saturday’s defeat against Norwich means Van Gaal has now presided over the club’s worst run of form in 17 years and his position is a matter of intense speculation, especially in the wake of Mourinho’s acrimonious departure from Chelsea last week.

Mourinho was snubbed by the Old Trafford board two years ago when they opted to employ David Moyes as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor.

And former Liverpool defender Carragher believes United would be pushing the panic button if they opted to dispense with Van Gaal and opt for the Special One, whom he believes is incompatible with the club’s unique demands.

"Is Jose the perfect fit for Man United? I’d say no," he said on Sky Sports.

"If I imagine United over the last 60 years, they’re about winning trophies and Jose ticks that box.

"Bringing young players through? No. Playing fast attacking cut throat football? That’s a no as well.

"If they go for him it will show the fear Man United’s board have got and the sections of the support have of other teams getting away from them.

"With Pep [Guardiola] maybe going to Man City there may be a sense that they are falling behind. They might forget the principles the club was built on just to get back to winning trophies."