Gary Neville and Brian Kidd are shock contenders to join Manchester United back-room team
Former United defender and Manchester City No 2 are wanted at Old Trafford in new hierarchy
Brian Kidd and Gary Neville are shock contenders to become part of Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United revolution.
The Red Devils want Kidd to ditch rivals Manchester City and become new boss Mourinho’s right-hand man following Louis van Gaal’s sacking on Monday.
And the Portuguese also plans to sound out Neville about joining his backroom team.
Kidd, 66, was former City chief Manuel Pellegrini’s No2 for three years.
But he is tempted by the offer to return to the club where he played and established a reputation as an expert man-manager of younger players as Alex Ferguson’s No2.
SunSport revealed exclusively on Monday that current United coach Ryan Giggs, 42, is set to quit the club when Mourinho takes over.
But the former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss believes it is important some of his assistants understand the history and tradition of the club.
Kidd is viewed as a symbol of ‘traditional’ Manchester United and can help nurture young players like Marcus Rashford.
He is credited with playing a major role in the development of United’s Class of ’92, which included David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Giggs.
The sticking point is Kidd’s fear about the reaction of City fans should he accept the offer and leave them to cross the city and join their rivals.
Mourinho and Neville have become good friends since the former United captain retired. The pair keep in contact regularly by phone.
There is a huge mutual respect and Mourinho believes England coach Neville, who was sacked as Valencia boss in March, could help him rebuild the team and change the style of play.
United fans were heavily critical of the displays under LVG.
The major stumbling block could be Neville’s loyalty and friendship with Giggs, who he will not want to upset by taking his job.
Mourinho will also bring his trusted coaches Rui Faria and Silvino Louro with him.