Wednesday 25 May 2016 11:50, UK
Jamie Redknapp thinks Manchester United are changing manager at the right time, even if Jose Mourinho will not alter his style at Old Trafford.
Mourinho is expected to be named the next United manager in the coming days as Louis van Gaal's two-year spell comes to an end.
Although Van Gaal signed off with victory in the FA Cup final, Redknapp told Sky Sports that Mourinho is the right option for his replacement.
"It was the right time to make the move," he said. "If you are looking out there then what better option do you have?
"It just felt like they were treading water. It just didn't seem to work. The crowd never really took to him and the style of football isn't really what they wanted. The brand was struggling because of that.
"If you are looking to change then Jose Mourinho is a serial winner, he knows how to win. Not always in the most expansive style that the United fans will want, but there is every chance he could be winning trophies for them."
While Van Gaal was criticised for failing to make United into an exciting team to watch, there have been questions over whether Mourinho would represent a huge shift in playing style.
The former Chelsea manager is not known for an attacking brand of football, and Redknapp said: "I don't think he can change and I don't think he will. Jose had success doing things his own way.
"Sometimes we are a little bit critical of him, there has been spells when Chelsea played some great football as well. The year they won the cup a couple of years ago, the first 20 games they were fantastic.
"Once they had to win the league and they realised they had to get across the line, they did it in a Jose sort of style. They can be expansive. I think the Man Utd fans just want to play some good football and win some games, for it to be a bit more exciting. There will be goals there."
Mourinho has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in December.
He left the Blues 16th in the Premier League, having lost nine of their 16 league games.
"He lost his way this season and threw his toys out of the pram regularly," said Redknapp. "You can't behave like that if you are the Man Utd manager. You have to be outstanding and do it correctly. I think Man Utd fans, the club and the board would ask that of him."
Another question of Mourinho is whether he would continue to give chances to United's youth players.
The likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Timothy Fosu-Mensah all got opportunities under Van Gaal this season.
"My worry will be if you are a young player at the club," said Redknapp. "Jose has always had a reputation for never giving young players a chance.
"People like Rashford will be a little nervous, thinking well if they bring in a big striker what does that mean for me. I hope he sticks to the principles of what United have always done and give youth players a chance."
