Mikael Silvestre believes new interim Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick could land the job on a full-time basis if he impresses between now and the end of the season.
The experienced German coach, who has managed the likes of RB Leipzig and Schalke, was installed as United's new interim boss on Monday, replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer — who was sacked following the 4-1 defeat to Watford almost a fortnight ago.
Rangnick, who is expected to take charge for the first time when United welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford on Sunday arrives at the club with an excellent reputation in recruitment and tactics.
Although United have confirmed that Rangnick will only oversee first-team responsibilities until the end of the season, before moving into a consultancy position, former United man Silvestre believes the 63-year-old could be appointed as the club's next permanent manager if he makes a good impression.
He told 888Sport : "If I had to bet, I'd say the next permanent manager will be Ralf Rangnick because if it works out well why would the club look elsewhere?
"He’s not young but he has the strength and energy to carry on beyond the next few months. He's in the best position to take on the job as Manchester United manager.
"He has proven in the past in Germany that his method works and everywhere he's been his teams have improved. His style of football is now the style favoured by teams who do well in the Champions League.
"If it matches up with the current players at United then they could go a long way."
Although Silvestre doesn't believe United have encountered "major" problems, despite Solskjaer's sacking and the poor form this season, he claims that it is a series of "minor" troubles that have lead to the club finding itself in its current mess.
"The reasons for United being in this situation is difficult to point out because we’re not in the dressing room and you can't point at one specific thing that went wrong," Silvestre added.
"It's a mix of things and they aren't major but minor. But lots of little dysfunctions can cause a club to lose their way.
"That’s what happened unfortunately."
Silvestre was speaking on behalf of 888sport. Head to 888sport for the latest Premier League odds.
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