United need Mourinho to match Guardiola’s City

Alan Curbishley believes Manchester United need to appoint Jose Mourinho to match rivals City securing the services of Pep Guardiola.

The former West Ham and Charlton manager insists publicity and charisma are needed in the Old Trafford hot seat.

“When you consider the clubs he’s managed, the top clubs in the world, I think he’s obviously been caught in the situation for some time. I don’t think that’s done Louis van Gaal too many favours.

“It’s put him under a lot of pressure but if that’s the situation that he’s gone to Man United then I think watch this space because I think one of the first things in Man United’s mind is that they’ve got someone else in (Pep) Guardiola that’s gone next door,” Curbishley who is now a television pundit said.

“Perhaps they needed to bring someone with that publicity, that charisma and experience, etc. But they’ve both got a bit to prove. I think Guardiola at Man City, he’s got to rebuild that side, and I’m sure Mourinho since he left Chelsea and has been looking at Man United must have his eyes on new signings,” he added.

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard Snr believes Chelsea will hold nothing against the Portuguese for moving to the north-west.

“Jose’s been to Chelsea a couple of times now, twice he’s been manager there, and I think he’s done well for Chelsea, finished on a funny note the last time he was there but these things happen in football.

“I think the Chelsea supporters will respect Mourinho, one of the greatest managers that’s ever been, I’ll say that. I think at Manchester, I know Man United want a certain way of playing but things change in football and it’s a matter of getting results sometimes, so you’ve got to try and put the two together.

“I think he’ll do well, I know what sort of personality he’s got and he needs everybody at it. I think Man United can only go forward from here,” Lampard Senior declared.

“I think he [van Gaal] misjudged the media. I think his character couldn’t change, I think he must be a good coach but he has a touch of the arrogance and he didn’t seem able to cope with the pressure and understand the history and tradition of Manchester United, which is always to play with a great purr and vitality and they didn’t do that.

“He spoke about philosophy and various things which I think put him on the back foot,” former Tottenham boss David Pleat added.

Mourinho is tipped to be announced as the Manchester United manager in the next couple of days after Louis van Gaal was sacked on Monday.