Frank Lampard believes his former manager at Chelsea, Jose Mourinho, should be top of Manchester United's list to become manager.
Lampard said that the imminent arrival of Pep Guardiola from Bayern Munich as Manchester City's new manager in the summer, makes it the right time for United to act and bring in the former Real Madrid manager.
Lampard and Mourinho had a close relationship when the pair worked together at Chelsea. Mourinho's suitability for the United job alongside his ability to promote youth have been questioned recently by some.
This is not the first time Lampard has publicly backed Mourinho as Louis Van Gaal's replacement as United manager, but his backing has become stronger still.
Lampard told the Express: "If I'm in charge at United and I see Pep Guardiola going to Manchester City, Jose would be top of my list.
"Jose will get the best out of the players there. He will recruit top players.
"They are not happy with where they are at. It's a good option for both United and Jose. It's a good fit."
The pressure on Van Gaal had eased with four successive victories in all competitions but a subsequent 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday made life uncomfortable for him again.
Mourinho, who has been available since being sacked by Chelsea in December, remains many bookies' favourite to be the next United manager.
While Mourinho and Lampard worked together, they won the league title twice in 2005 and 2006.