Schmeichel: 'Long overdue' Mourinho hiring could save United

Manchester United needs saving, and the impending arrival of Jose Mourinho will provide just the hero necessary.

That's the message from former Red Devil Peter Schmeichel, who told BBC Radio 5 Live in the aftermath of Louis van Gaal's firing that the polarising Portuguese will right the wonky ship at Old Trafford.

Related: Manchester United sacks Van Gaal as Mourinho prepares to take over

"Mourinho is not an easy call to make for the owners and leaders because if he was the right man, he would have been picked before, that was the obvious choice," said Schmeichel, whose decorated tenure with United saw him backstop the club to five Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and a Champions League crown in his final match for the side.

"He has fallen out with a director of football at a club, a president, a team doctor. He has done things that are not in the way Manchester United wants the football club to run. All these issues would have been brought up and I am sure it will have been run by Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton. Without them saying 'yes' to him, it would not happen. Therefore if he comes in he is a good choice."

The former shot-stopper continued, saying of Mourinho: "He will be prepared and ready to do it but he has to go back to the values of the football club - a very strong team consisting of exciting players which are creating chances and scoring goals. All that has been missing.

"Now they have a guy that is supposed to be the biggest manager in the world, the one that really could save Manchester United. It has been a brave decision but one that is long overdue."

Mourinho is expected to be officially introduced by the club Tuesday.