Manchester United must be 'desperate' to want Jose Mourinho, says Jamie Carragher

Mourinho doesn't fit the club's profile, according to the Liverpool legend

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho (PA)

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes that Manchester United must be "desperate" if they consider Jose Mourinho a realistic choice to be their next manager.

Louis van Gaal still retains the support of the United board but should the side have negative results in their next two matches his position may become untenable.

Some members of the United squad are disillusioned with life under the meticulous Dutchman, while the fans have turned on him after a run of just three wins in their last 13 matches, including no wins in their last six.

After Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea last week the Portuguese has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, a club he has always wanted to join and was linked to in 2013 as a potential replacement for Sir Alex Ferguson.

His abrasive nature saw David Moyes eventually win the job as the United hierarchy were concerned his personality went against the way the club like to present themselves.

Carragher agrees with that sentiment, adding that Mourinho is not one to bring through young players and also plays a defensive style of football.

"Is Jose the perfect fit for Manchester United? I'd say no," Carragher said on Monday Night Football.

"And the reason being, if I imagine Manchester United as what they've been over the last 50 or 60 years and what they've been about - winning trophies - Jose massively ticks that box; but bringing young players through? No.

"Playing exciting, cut-throat football, going for every game? He doesn't tick that box either.

"If that is someone that they go for, I think that'll show the fear Manchester United's board have of other teams getting away from them."

He added: "There'll be that thought of Pep Guardiola maybe going to Manchester City and they'll be thinking we're actually falling behind.

"They'll forget some of the principles that have made the club over the last 50 or 60 years; and they're just that desperate to get to back winning trophies."