Paul Merson: 'Jose Mourinho may tempt Manchester United'

Paul Merson has claimed that Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal "will be looking behind him" following Jose Mourinho's sacking at Chelsea.

Fifty-two-year-old Mourinho was relieved of his duties at Stamford Bridge for a second time this afternoon following a run of nine defeats in 16 Premier League games, which has left the Blues 16th position.

Van Gaal's United have fared better this season, amassing 29 points to currently sit fourth in the table.

However, the Dutchman's style of play has been heavily criticised, with jeers heard on numerous occasions at Old Trafford in recent weeks.

Despite the negative end to his Chelsea tenure, former Arsenal midfielder Merson has suggested that United could be tempted to swap their current boss for Mourinho.

"LVG will be looking behind him. If it doesn't go well for Man United in the next week or two, I think they might look and think, 'One of the best managers in the world of football is available. Let's get him'," he told Sky Sports News.

Mourinho was linked with the United post in 2013 after Sir Alex Ferguson retired, but David Moyes eventually took on the role.