Manchester United future manager: Gennaro Gattuso would 'walk' to Old Trafford if offered job

The 38-year-old has enjoyed short spells with Sion, Palermo, Crete and Pisa since retiring from playing

Gennaro Gattuso looks on from the touchline (GETTY IMAGES)

Former AC Milan and Rangers midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has said he would walk to Manchester United if offered the opportunity to replace Louis van Gaal.

The 38-year-old has enjoyed short spells with Sion, Palermo, Crete and Pisa since retiring from a playing career which allowed him to lift two Champions League titles, with Milan, while also enjoying a World Cup triumph with Italy in 2006.

When quizzed if he would consider stepping into the breach if Van Gaal is sacked at the end of the season, Gatusso told the Sun: “I'd walk there. I'd even go tomorrow. Sir Alex Ferguson has always respected me - and I have always admired the Premier League which, for me, is the best league in the world.

“In Italy, we are tactical masters, but in England you see pacey players - with great strength in their legs. I love watching the Championship, because in those games, I see true love that people in England have for football. They breathe football. I record two Championship matches a night.

“In Italy, some teams can relax during games. In England, with every action of a team, there is a corresponding action from the opposition.”

Just 14 months ago, the Italian legend applied to take over at Scottish Premiership side Hamilton Academical after Alex Neil left for Norwich City.