Schmeichel: Mourinho can be ‘an absolute success’ at United

Ian Watson

Jose Mourinho: At his home on Tuesday as United talks continue

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel is confident Jose Mourinho can bring the good times back to Old Trafford as he closes in on a deal to take over as manager.

Louis van Gaal was sacked on Monday despite leading the club to the FA Cup and Press Association Sport understands the finer details of a contract for Mourinho are being worked on.

Schmeichel believes a move to appoint Mourinho has been in the works for some time.

He told Sky Sports News: “I’m convinced this has been going on for a long time, with a lot of meetings taking place.

“Meetings with Mourinho, what kind of role he should have, how his managerial style is, meetings with Sir Bobby (Charlton), Sir Alex (Ferguson), so he’s got a feeling of how he wants the club to go.

“I always expected Jose Mourinho to have Manchester United at the very top of his list – his dream job. I think he can be an absolute success but has a lot to prove.

“I’m looking forward to this next period and hopefully he will give all fans belief that all is well and they are going in the right direction.”

Ryan Giggs reportedly has an offer to remain at United as part of Mourinho’s staff, but Schmeichel believes the Welshman can only improve his coaching ability by leaving Old Trafford.

Ryan Giggs Peter Schmeichel Manchester United 1999

The Dane thinks it is time for Giggs to move on as a manager elsewhere before returning one day to the top job at United.

Schmeichel said: “It depends what Ryan’s ambitions are. His big dream is to one day manage Manchester United and I think he could do that but he has to go away and manage other clubs, stand on his own two feet, get his own ideas rather than step up and be manager.

“I would like to see him come back one day prepared for the challenge because we’ve seen in the last three years it’s a hard job. He has got to have so many different qualities and abilities and you only get that by experience.”