Eric Cantona: Pep Guardiola, not Jose Mourinho, was the right man for Manchester United

The Dutchman was dismissed on Monday two days after winning the FA Cup final with the former Chelsea boss expected to be announced as his replacement.

But, in an exclusive interview with the Guardian to mark his 50th birthday, Cantona argues his style of play is not what United should be aspiring to.

“I love José Mourinho, but in terms of the type of football he plays I don’t think he is Manchester United,” Cantona said.

“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.”

The Frenchman also laments Pep Guardiola's move to Manchester City, insisting that the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss was 'the only one' who could return the club to its former glory.

“Guardiola was the one to take. He is the spiritual son of Johan Cruyff,” he 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.”