PHIL BARDSLEY GREW up in the shadow of Manchester United’s famous Cliff training ground, joined the club when he was eight years old and progressed right through the academy.

Though he made only 18 senior appearances for the side before moving on to Sunderland and Stoke, his hometown team still means a lot to him.

And speaking to BBC’s Match of the Day 2 Extra earlier today, Bardsley was quizzed on the rumours suggesting Jose Mourinho was inching closer to replacing Louis van Gaal as the club’s manager.

The right-back remains unconvinced as to whether the Portuguese is the best choice.

“I think Jose is a quick-fix”, Bardsley said.

Phil Bardsley, centre, celebrating with Michael Carrick, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Patrice Evra in August 2006. Jon Buckle / EMPICS Sport Jon Buckle / EMPICS Sport / EMPICS Sport

“The time he has spent at his previous clubs has not been too long. Is he the right man for Man United? I’m not too sure. If it was me, it’d be Ryan Giggs. I’d employ people that have made the club so successful over the years and bring them all back and hopefully bring some silverware back.

I just think he’s the right man and the staff and the players that have been there and achieved so much there – you have to have them back at the club.”

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