Former Liverpool and England right-back Glen Johnson believes Brendan Rodgers is a good fit for Manchester United, but stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo may not “buy into” his methods.
Johnson, 37, played under Rodgers when the current Leicester City boss was in charge at Liverpool. The Reds came close to a Premier League title in his reign, but fell just short to Manchester City.
The Northern Irish coach has been one of several names linked with the vacant managerial position at Old Trafford.
Despite a dip in form with Leicester this season, the Foxes have consistently challenged for a Champions League spot sine Rodgers' arrival and he guided them to a first FA Cup triumph in the club’s history.
Speaking to Bettingodds.com, Johnson said: “I do, however, think Brendan would be a good fit but I don’t know how Brendan feels.
“He’s obviously not from Liverpool and whether Manchester United are struggling or not, they’re still a massive club so it would be hard for a ‘neutral’ manager to turn down.
“ But I think it would make Brendan think twice, for sure.
“Manchester United and Liverpool is a big rivalry, and, though he was only there for a couple of years, him becoming Manchester United manager would undo what he achieved at Liverpool.”
The next manager at the helm for United has the challenge of finding consistency out of the side, who have slumped to eighth in the Premier League which resulted in the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
They will also have the job of balancing some high profile players at the club, with Johnson claiming that the likes of Ronaldo may not buy into the manager’s ideas: “I think Brendan plays good football and he would certainly get the players playing.
“But whether the likes of Ronaldo buy into that and everything he’s going to do, I’m not so sure.
“I don’t know who, but I think whoever gets the Manchester United job has got to be a manager who’s been with these sorts of players and that level of club before.”
The Manchester Evening News understands that United are confident of hiring Mauricio Pochettino as their next permanent manager.
