Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Jose Mourinho 'must be considered' for the Manchester United managerial position if the club decide to make a change at the end of the season.

Louis van Gaal has a contract at Old Trafford until the end of the 2016-17 season, but it is widely thought that the Dutchman will be relieved of his duties at the end of the current campaign.

Former Man United centre-back Ferdinand is not advocating the sacking of Van Gaal, but has claimed that Mourinho would be the perfect fit for the 20-time English champions.

"Listen, if the club decide Louis van Gaal isn't the man anymore and Jose Mourinho is in the market, he has to be considered," Ferdinand told BBC Sport. "He's a top manager, someone who's got great experience, he's a born winner. So for him to be in the market and not be interested in him, I don't think that's wise."

Man United's Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon was abandoned amid a security threat.