David Beckham wants to see Jose Mourinho back in the Premier League quickly after the Portuguese parted company with Chelsea on Thursday.
Mourinho, 52, won the Premier League title at a canter last season but lost nine of his first 16 games this season and departed by "mutual consent" after a board meeting.
A move to Manchester United has been reported, with sources telling ESPN FC that Mourinho wants a chance to manage at Old Trafford, but while Beckham would not be drawn on whether that would happen, he wants to see one of the best managers in the game stay in England.
"Unfortunately this is how football is, but there is no disputing that Jose is one of the best managers in football," the former England midfielder told reporters.
"Winning the league obviously last year, virtually the same squad this year -- it is obviously surprising to see their league position. But I love Jose, I think he is an incredible manager, a great person and he is passionate about the game.
"I hope he comes back to the Premiership [Premier League] quickly because the English public love him, the fans love seeing him on the sideline and they love his character so it is a shame to see him leave.
"But Chelsea are a great club so they will move on quickly I am sure. Roman [Abramovich] is passionate about the team so they will move on pretty quickly."
Asked if Mourinho could replace Louis van Gaal at United at the end of the season, Beckham added: "It would be disrespectful for me to even mention it because Manchester United have got a manager and that is the way it will continue until people decide otherwise."