Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane believes this summer could be the ideal time for a new manager to stamp his authority at Old Trafford because of the number of players that are out of contract.
United are set to cut ties with five senior, first-team players this summer, including midfielder Paul Pogba and striker Edinson Cavani. Goalkeeper Lee Grant and midfield duo Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata are also set to depart when their current deals expire in June.
The departures will free up space in the squad for new additions, which are expected this summer, and decrease the wage bill. Furthermore, it will also see players move on that may not be considered in the new manager's plans without the need of waiting for a buyer and a transfer fee.
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But whilst the losses of high profile figures, such as Pogba and Lingard, may be considered as blows, Keane believes it could work to United's next manager's advantage. Offering his verdict on the interview process and what the main tasks could be for Ralf Rangnick's successor, he also pointed to the importance of time being granted to gain an understanding.
Keane, speaking at The Overlap Live, said: "I think everyone comes across well in an interview. You have to be a right idiot to come across badly in an interview, because, obviously, you're going to be polite and do your homework.
"I think the interview process is well and good, but [Mauricio] Pochettino's stock, just like any manager, can go up or down. It went down after the Champions League performance in Madrid where they [PSG] fell apart.
"But I still don't think you know anybody until they get into the building. We can all throw opinions about concerning four or five managers and I certainly be against any of them that have been mentioned, but you won't know enough about them until they get in and see the task that is in front of them, whether it be the players or the structure upstairs.
"Getting to know the players, their personalities, the culture of the club, whatever values United stand for now, I don't know, but they have certainly gone backwards. But having said that, I still think anyone who walks into Man United in the summer - and they could still finish sixth - what a time to go in.
"There are four or five players whose contracts are up. People think that is a bad thing; I think that might be a good thing.
"They are letting players move on and they [the new manager] are not stuck with these lads that might have already left the building mentally. You can start a fresh with some good, young players and you will certainly be given money to spend."
United's next manager will be tasked with installing a style of play that is both recognisable and pleasing to the eye. Keane, however, has stressed the importance of results being the most important factor.
"Again, there is this obsession with style of football," added Keane. "I don't ever remember style of football being spoken about during my time at the club - we spoke about winning.
"I genuinely think that if you are winning week-in, week-out, and I know there has to be a certain style of football, don't get me wrong, but as long as you're winning, that is where you get momentum from. That is how you get people back onside."
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