The discussion going on in the Transfer Tavern today amongst our Manchester United fans is who would they like to see in the dugout if Jose Mourinho leaves. Whether or not that’s as soon as some of our punters were scared about following his recent PSG comments, it’s hard to see the Portuguese sticking about for decades.

Talk is circulating around a potential new deal for the Old Trafford boss, while there are also rumours around Mourinho moving on in the near future after a recent interview. Indeed, a few of our locals are sitting in wait for the Mourinho show to end at some point next season, with his United stay creeping towards the jinxed three-year mark.

The Red Devils have been through four managers since Sir Alex retired and will not want to be changing the guard so soon and will want a deal to be tied up sharpish, in an attempt to keep a man who has helped at least restore a winning mentality.

But, our landlord thinks the United board need to start drawing up a managerial shortlist ahead of time just in case the Jose-bomb explodes prematurely and a few of our regulars are in agreement. So, United fans what do you think to one of these five taking over the Old Trafford reigns…

Mauricio Pochettino

The Spurs man as made quite an impression during his stay in England, firstly with Southampton and currently with Tottenham, his faith in youth and well-organised play would make him a hit inside Old Trafford.

United have always been big on giving the youngsters a chance to express themselves and it seems the Argentine is in a similar mould to Sir Alex when it comes to being able to find the diamond in the rough.

Antonio Conte

The Chelsea boss has had a great start to his Premier League career. Winning the title in his first season and looking pretty strong in his second despite a poor transfer window, his passion would re-ignite an Old Trafford crowd that has been lacking in atmosphere in recent seasons.

Diego Simeone

Diego Simeone is a similar mould to Conte but adding in a lot more fire to the equation. Indeed, he also has similar qualities to Mourinho in the fact of bringing a team together to create an ‘us versus them’ mentality.

‘El Cholo’ has achieved some pretty impressive heights while at Atletico Madrid, reaching two Champions League finals and winning La Liga and the Europa league makes his stock quite high.

Would be quite the sight on these shores.

Sean Dyche

A little left-field, but Dyche has proven during his time at Burnley to be a manager for the long haul, sensible and well drilled. Although the last appointment in a man with a similar club history in David Moyes proved to be an epic fail, United will have learned from their mistakes and could give Dyche the platform to elevate his career.

If United are looking for another Sir Alex type long-term era, Sean Dyche may be the out of the box man.

Laurent Blanc

The former United centre-back enjoyed a very successful time with French giants PSG and was unfortunate not to achieve more with the French national team.

A return to Old Trafford would be welcomed by the faithful and with his managerial experience at the top level he would bring something a little different to the Premier League.