Manchester United have been warned that Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League collapse should ensure their managerial search now has a wider scope.
PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is the big favourite to be named United's next permanent head coach, with Football Director John Murtough confirming the process is now well underway.
But the former Tottenham manager's stock has taken a hit following the manner of his PSG side's European exit to Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
The French giants were in complete control of the tie when Kylian Mbappe opened the scoring at the Bernabeu to make it 1-0 on the night and 2-0 on aggregate.
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But as they have done so often before, PSG capitulated in the closing stages, allowing Karim Benzema to score a quick-fire hat-trick to condemn them to elimination.
The result has intensified the pressure on Pochettino, who has failed to win over his detractors having not won the Ligue 1 title in his first season in charge.
PSG sporting director has confirmed the under-fire coach will remain in the dugout for the rest of the season but didn't go as far to say he would stick around beyond that.
A departure from the Parc des Princes could in turn accelerate United's search, but the club's former striker Dimitar Berbatov, believes now is the time to take stock.
"Credit must go to Real Madrid for what they have done, but the fault and the blame should go to PSG," Betfair ambassador Dimitar Berbatov exclusively told Mirror Football.
"With all the talent in your team, you lead one-nil at half time, overall two up and then you lose a game like that. I mean you should look at yourself and just know that you didn't do enough and criticise yourself, the players and the manager."
Berbatov suggested that while Pochettino should remain in contention for Old Trafford's top job, there should be a willingness to truly explore their options to make sure the fifth permanent successor to Sir Alex Ferguson is the right one.
"Although this is a black spot on the reputation of Pochettino, I don't think this is going to lessen his reputation in England. He's still the frontrunner to be the manager of United," he added.
"But I would like to see other people interviewed for the position, just open up your eyesight and interview other people to see what they are going to say, what they're going to bring to the team and then make the final decision.
"I sincerely hope that when they make the decision, this time it's going to be the right guy."
Recent reports suggest that Ferguson has recommended Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti to the board, but Berbatov believes the decision should lie with the directors, who ultimately will have to defend it in the long run.
"I don't know how much input Sir Alex is having in and around the team and the dressing room, but I guess there is some as well because the greatest manager is going to have something to say and he’ll say it when he wants it said.
"They will probably ask him as well, but overall I think the board of directors should make the decision. It's their job to make the decision and they will have the consequences if they make another bad one.
"That's why I'm saying, open up the scope, interview other people as well and I hope they are doing it right now because time is flying and the summer will come quickly.
"They need to have the decision made even before the last game of the season, they need to be ready. The team needs to be calm."
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