Shock candidate emerges for Man United job to replace under-fire Louis van Gaal

THE BOSS: Blanc is a target for United

It remains a big if, as the Old Trafford hierarchy are continuing to back Louis van Gaal, despite another sub-standard display at Liverpool last Thursday.

But if a change is made in the summer, Paris St-Germain boss Blanc will be considered along with Jose Mourinho and current United assistant manager Ryan Giggs.

Blanc, 50, is a former United defender who has always been highly regarded by ex-United manager Sir Alex Ferguson – now an Old Trafford director.

The former France defender is known as “Le President” because of his leadership qualities.

It would be difficult to prise Blanc away from Paris, who he has just guided to a last-16 Champions League victory over Chelsea.

But United would have a special appeal. And the Red Devils are also being linked with Blanc’s charismatic PSG striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 34, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Van Gaal, meanwhile, has revealed he will assess his own position at the end of the season.

Going into tomorrow’s FA Cup tie against West Ham, the United boss said: “I am always evaluating myself, so that is not a problem.

"My own belief is not incredibly positive – because the media has been sacking me for three months.

"But I am still in three competitions and a lot of colleagues cannot say that.

"Can the FA Cup save my season? The Europa League can also save my season and a position in the first four can also save my season.

"It is still possible. It is very difficult – I know that. But it is still possible.”