Next Manchester United manager: Gary Neville calls Mauricio Pochettino 'outstanding candidate' as Mourinho sacked

The former United defender told Sky Sports he believes the Spurs boss to be the best man for the job

Gary Neville has claimed that Mauricio Pochettino is the "outstanding candidate" to replace Jose Mourinho as Manchester United manager after the Portuguese was relieved of his duties on Tuesday morning.

Former United defender Neville was asked on Sky Sports, for whom he works as a pundit, who he would choose as the next coach at Old Trafford and was in little doubt as to who Ed Woodward should be targeting.

"I was fortunate enough to spend two or three days at Tottenham's training ground and for me he just feels like the most ideal candidate," Neville said.

"Manchester United have tried managers who have won European Cups, managers who have won leagues, managers who have a solid grounding in the Premier League.

"My view is they ned someone who follows the three key principles of that football club which is promoting youth, entertaining football and winning football matches.

"People say he hasn't won trophies at Tottenham but for a net spend of minus £29m he couldn't have done more, he's done the most incredible job and I do think he is the outstanding candidate.

"He is the individual I think who fits the profile of what Manchester United need.

"You look at his performance levels and the style of play you look at the way he carries himself in public and private, for me he just feels like the most ideal candidate."

United have placed Michael Carrick in charge for the next 48 hours as they finalise the arrival of an interim manager until the end of the season, an unusual move that left Neville confused.