Jamie Carragher believes hiring Jose Mourinho would be a bad move by Manchester United.

The recently-sacked Chelsea manager is being heavily linked with the Old Trafford job as Louis van Gaal's tenure continues to come under scrutiny following a six-game winless run.

It is believed that Mourinho is keen on the United job but former Liverpool defender Carragher suggests it would reek of desperation and fear if the Red Devils were to replace van Gaal with the Portuguese tactician.

"Is Jose the perfect fit for Manchester United? I'd say no," Carragher said on Sky Sports.

"And the reason being, if I imagine Manchester United as what they've been over the last 50 or 60 years and what they've been about...winning trophies, Jose massively ticks that box; but bringing young players through? No.

"Playing exciting, cut throat football, going for every game? He doesn't tick that box either.

"If that is someone that they go for, I think that'll show the fear Manchester United's board have of other teams getting away from them."