Eric Cantona has discussed his doubts around Jose Mourinho becoming Manchester United manager, and has offered his services for the job.
Mourinho is widely respected to be appointed United manager as replacement for Louis van Gaal, who was sacked on Monday evening.
Former Chelsea manager Mourinho is reported to currently be in talks with United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, as well as his agent Jorge Mendes, with a deal expected to be announced later this week.
The Portuguese will have a list of tasks to complete during his time as manager, and Cantona does not believe he is an ideal fit for the club.
“I love José Mourinho, but in terms of the type of football he plays I don’t think he is Manchester United,” Cantona told The Guardian. “I love his personality, I love the passion he has for the game, his humour. He is very intelligent, he demands 100% of his players. And of course he wins things.
“But I don’t think it’s the type of football that the fans of Manchester United will love, even if they win. He can win with Manchester United. But do they expect that type of football, even if they win? I don’t think so.”
Cantona then identified incoming Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as the man he would have chosen to take over.
“Guardiola was the one to take. He is the spiritual son of Johan Cruyff,” Cantona said. “I would have loved to have seen Guardiola in Manchester [United]. He is the only one to change Manchester. He is in Manchester, but at the wrong one.”
The Frenchman then insisted he would be open to the idea of managing United if he was ever approached.
“I do many things and I’m very happy. But if they asked me to become the manager of Manchester United, I would,” Cantona said. “Because Guardiola is in Manchester City and they want someone to win things with wonderful football? It’s me.
“I’m serious. I say that just because it’s like when you are in the pub or the club. When you say you don’t care, all the girls want you. Maybe if I say I don’t care about that job, they will ask me. If they asked me, I’d work very hard, of course.
“They miss me. I think they have lost something. You can feel it. But it’s difficult to come after someone who has been at the club 25 years. Even if you are a great manager, the fans still feel the philosophy of Ferguson.”
