Manchester United: Diego Maradona makes surprise pitch to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager

Maradona is currently in charge of Dorados in the Mexican second tier, but in a wide-ranging interview he said he could shake up a stale squad at Old Trafford

Diego Maradona has made a surprise pitch to be the next Manchester United manager should the club part company with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, claiming: “I’m the man to do it.”

Solskjaer made a stunning start in charge at Old Trafford after replacing Jose Mourinho in December, but his team faded badly in the latter part of the season, losing heavily to Barcelona in the Champions League and missing out on the top four.

Maradona is currently in charge of Dorados in the Mexican second tier, but in a wide-ranging interview he said he could shake up a stale squad at Old Trafford, and had the global commercial appeal to do the job.

“If Manchester [United] need a coach, I’m the man to do it,” he told FourFourTwo. “I know they sell lots of shirts around the world, but they need to win trophies, too. I can do that for them.”

The Argentina legend also said United midfielder Paul Pogba “doesn't work hard enough”.

He added: “Manchester United used to be my favourite English team for so long. So many great players and a great team under Alex Ferguson.

But now I have to say Man City. I know you shouldn’t change like that but it’s because of Kun [Sergio Aguero, his former son-in-law]. We speak a lot and he plays in a very good team.”