William Gallas has suggested that Manchester United can only improve under Jose Mourinho should the Portuguese be appointed as the club's new manager.

Mourinho is reportedly close to being confirmed as the replacement for Louis van Gaal after United could only finish in fifth position in the Premier League, but Gallas feels that his former boss at Chelsea will bring back the 'winning spirit' at the North-West giants.

The 38-year-old told Sky Sports News: "I think it would be good for Manchester United because it is a long time since they won anything and what I know with Jose is that he can renew that spirit to win everything.

"He is a competitive manager and I know that all of the players from Man United will follow him and I'm sure that next season will be very exciting."

Gallas won two Premier League titles under Mourinho before he left for Arsenal in 2006.