Manchester United hero Sammy McIlory believes the next manager must understand the club's history and playing traditions.

McIlory was the last signing made by Sir Matt Busby as Manchester United manager.

He told the Mirror: “It's hard to describe what is meant by Manchester United's DNA.

“I can only describe it as a feeling. It's instinctively having that understanding and connection with the club and what the club means to the fans.

“It is true that a United manager doesn't just have to win - the team has also got to play with a certain style, a swagger. I remember hearing Sir Matt tell his players before a game 'these fans have been working all week and they have paid their money to be entertained. Go out there and entertain them.'

“But it's about understanding the history of the club, knowing about the plane crash at Munich and Best, Charlton and Law - and also the tradition United has always had of giving their own young players a chance. And it's also knowing about the here and now. Sir Matt seemed to know everyone at the football club, from the ladies who washed the kit, to the groundsman, to the people who swept the stands. He knew them all by their first name.

"Sir Alex is from the same mould. They wanted everyone to feel like they were important to Manchester United, that when the team won on a Saturday afternoon, they had all played their part. There are so many factors involved in what it means to be Manchester United. But when you know, you know. It's the best feeling in football."