Next Manchester United manager: Laurent Blanc in the frame to replace Jose Mourinho until end of season

Alex Ferguson’s former assistant Carlos Queiroz is also in the running, but the long-term replacement remains Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino

Manchester United are considering former player Laurent Blanc as stand-in until the end of the season, with Mauricio Pochettino the primary choice as long-term successor to Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese was finally sacked on Tuesday after a miserable 3-1 defeat by Liverpool brought a dismal season to a nadir, with the club hierarchy dwelling on huge concerns over the former manager's toxic relationship with the squad and the nature of performances.

It is understood that "over 90 per cent" of the players had become fed up with Mourinho, and officials were concerned over how that was dictating everything at the club, not least starting line-ups and the football.

Paramount among the considerations now is to restore a sense of positivity at Old Trafford, which is why officials want someone attuned to the club's traditions.

Blanc's time as a player from 2001 to 2003 and good relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson fits, as does a relatively good managerial CV, but former assistant Carlos Queiroz is also in the frame as well as club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Independent understands that United will name Mourinho's short-term successor by Thursday afternoon, with that individual set to be installed until the end of the season when the club will reassess their long-term position.

Laurent Blanc is in the frame to become short-term Manchester United manager (Getty)

The manager that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward wants above all is Pochettino but he is seen as impossible to get mid-season, and hugely difficult even in the summer.