Franz Beckenbauer: Pep Guardiola would be right fit for Manchester United

Guardiola's three-year contract with the German champions expires at the end of the season, but he is yet to sign an extension.

He has been linked with moves to United and Manchester City, but is unlikely to entertain a move to Real Madrid due to his time coaching Barcelona.

"Pep is interesting for every top club in the world," said Beckenbauer. "That's just normal.

"He can pick his club -- and in terms of popularity Manchester United might be the No. 1 worldwide.

"Pep Guardiola has brought invaluable insight and wisdom to the team, and it's my hope that he stays at Bayern.

"The collaboration between him and the club over the last three years has been very productive.

"FC Bayern Munich are in great form this season with the best start in Bundesliga history, and the consistency and level of performance are the result of Pep Guardiola's consistent work.

"You can clearly see that the team has developed even further. A good coach has his ideas and visions, but they only work when they're implemented by the team. And that's the case with Pep, the team, and FC Bayern -- a partnership that couldn't be better."

Think Pep should be Eurosport’s 2015 coach of the year? Vote here!

There are media reports swirling around this morning that United might decide they have had enough of Louis van Gaal and the £258m he has spent since arriving at Old Trafford if he fails to win - or goes close to winning - the Premier League. It might be idle speculation, but it is difficult to believe that the idea of recruiting Pep would not appeal to United. In terms of brand image and reputation, Guardiola would certainly fit the bill for United. But then the same could be said for Chelsea and Manchester City. There will be a number of coaches sitting uncomfortably if Pep suddenly decides Munich is no longer for him.