Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has advised Manchester United to steer clear of Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese boss, who was sacked by Chelsea on Thursday, has been strongly linked with Louis van Gaal's job at Old Trafford as pressure intensifies on the Dutchman.

However, with a long-term vision in mind, Collymore has stressed that United should turn their attention elsewhere if they do decide to part company with Van Gaal.

"I'm sure at Manchester United, the likes of Ed Woodward (chief executive) and plenty of supporters would love to have him as well, although I'm not convinced Sir Bobby Charlton would," Collymore wrote in The People.

"I'd tend to agree with Sir Bobby, that if I was a United or a Bayern Munich, if I was looking long-term, then I wouldn't touch him.

"Short-term he will win you a couple of trophies, but be careful what you wish for two or three years down the line."

Yesterday's 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Norwich has extended United's winless run to six matches in all competitions.