The former Porto striker believes that the Portuguese can make a significant impact at Old Trafford and has backed him to challenge the dominance of Pep Guardiola
Former Porto striker Benni McCarthy believes that Jose Mourinho is the perfect manager to turn around Manchester United's fortunes should the club part company with Louis van Gaal.
Van Gaal has come under increasing pressure this season, with United languishing in fifth and struggling to entertain the Old Trafford faithful.
A meek Champions League exit also means they will enter the Europa League during the second half of the season, with the FA Cup representing United's only other chance for silverware.
Reports earlier this week suggested that Mourinho has informed close friends that he is sure he will take the job this summer, and McCarthy believes the former Chelsea and Porto boss would be the ideal appointment at Old Trafford.
"Manchester United have a lot of young players who want to achieve things and make names for themselves," the former Blackburn Rovers striker told BBC Sport. "He would come in and be the perfect man for the job.
"If the players give him 100 per cent effort and show a willingness to succeed, he could definitely get Manchester United back to being one of those powerhouses in Europe, where teams fear to go."
He continued: "During my time at Porto, he had full support and I think that is why he was so successful.
"Manchester United is that kind of club. It is a very well-run club and a family club. Because of that, I think he will be able to make those players play to their ability and put the club back where they belong."
Should Mourinho end up at United next season he would go head-to-head with his old adversary Pep Guardiola, the pair having faced off during their spells at Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
Guardiola will replace Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City in 2016-17 with many expecting his coaching success to continue, but McCarthy insists that Mourinho would cause him problems were he to take the reigns at Old Trafford.
"Mourinho is one of those people who knows how to beat Guardiola's tactics," he added.
"When he was at Real Madrid, he beat him a couple of times. At Inter Milan, he also had success against him.
"At the moment, I can't see anyone taking on Pep and his tactics at Manchester City.
"But Mourinho at United, he would have the resources, the players and the financial backing to beat Guardiola."
- Goal