Shaun Goater believes that Manchester United simply have to appoint Jose Mourinho as their manager next season.

Following a below par campaign this term, Louis van Gaal is widely expected to be leaving United at the end of the season and ex-Chelsea boss Mourinho is widely tipped as the man to replace the Dutchman at the helm at Old Trafford.

Former Manchester City striker Goater has stated that United simply have to appoint Mourinho if they are to avoid falling further behind their cross-city rivals and believes that the potential Manchester derby involving the 53-year-old and Pep Guardiola next season would be 'beautiful'.

Goater told the Manchester Evening News: "For me, it is a move United have to make.

"I think in not getting Mourinho and not solidifying under Mourinho, they have already slipped behind City and that would be another sign.

"I think it would be beautiful. Yes I am a City fan but the derbies speak for themselves.

"It would be huge, you've got these games and then you've got two top, top managers going at it tactically, while you've got the best players competing, trying to win these games. It would be beautiful, it would be brilliant for Manchester."