Wayne Rooney has said Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho is "exactly" what Manchester United need right now, with Michael Carrick struggling to deliver results. United sit 18th in the Premier League with eight points from their opening 10 matches, their worst start to a campaign in 40 years.
Carrick under pressure
Carrick is expected to be sacked by the board during the November international break, with the Old Trafford hierarchy then turning their attention to finding a replacement before United's next match, a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool.
Eddie Howe, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte have all been named as potential successors to Carrick, who was appointed permanently in the summer after an interim stint. Rooney, however, believes a second spell for Mourinho would prove fruitful.
Rooney's verdict
Speaking on Stick to United, the former United striker said: "He's probably exactly what Man United need now, if I'm being honest. You can see why he's had the success where he's had it. I think he's ruthless, he's selfish and if he's got something to say, he'll say it. But I think, if he had a little bit more within the squad, he would have won (the Premier League)."
Mourinho arrived at Old Trafford in 2016 as Louis van Gaal's replacement. United finished sixth in 2016/17, then second the following season, 19 points behind champions Manchester City. After winning just seven of United's first 17 games in 2018/19, he was sacked and replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in December.
Mourinho's current situation
Mourinho left United with a Europa League, a League Cup and a Community Shield before moving to Tottenham Hotspur. He took charge of Real Madrid earlier this year and has thrived, with the club second in La Liga, three points behind leaders Barcelona, with 14 wins and two losses. He is under contract until 2028.
Mauricio Pochettino has become the bookies' favourite to take over at Old Trafford if United part ways with Carrick, with a $10m (£7.4m) release clause in the contract extension he signed to continue as head coach of the United States men's team until the 2030 World Cup.
