Rio Ferdinand says Louis van Gaal will put forward a great argument for keeping his job as Manchester United manager if he leads the club to FA Cup success and Champions League qualification this season.

Van Gaal has struggled to win over the Old Trafford faithful since replacing David Moyes in May 2014, with United failing to mount a title challenge in his two years at the helm and the style of football under the Dutchman drawing much criticism.

Jose Mourinho is being tipped to take over from Van Gaal at the end of the season, with some reports in the English media suggesting he has already agreed a contract.

But, while Ferdinand admits Mourinho’s availability is likely to prove tempting to his old club, he was impressed by United’s display against Everton on Sunday as they booked their spot in the FA Cup final and he reckons Van Gaal could yet make a convincing case to be kept on.

“If he wins the FA Cup and United finish in the Champions League [qualification places] he could sit there and say that is progression,” said the former United and England star, speaking on the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast.

“Speaking to people at Manchester United in and around the ground and supporters around the country, they are not playing the type of football they are accustomed to seeing at Manchester United. They want to see football that is respectful of their history of the club. It has been a lot of sideways, sideways football.

“But I watched the game at the weekend and if that is a sign of things to come, then Louis van Gaal has got a great argument to put forward.”

Ferdinand does understand the disgruntlement around United, but he believes Van Gaal also deserves plenty of credit for blooding so many young players during his time in charge.

The likes of Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard and Timothy Fosu Mensah have flourished after being given a first-team chance by the former Ajax and Barcelona boss.

“This season has been a bit doom and gloom for Manchester United with the way they have played but Louis van Gaal’s legacy if he is going to have one when he leaves is the introduction of all these young boys, with Rashford leading the charge,” said Ferdinand.

“It has been great for football and it will be nice for managers around the country to take heed of that. Bringing in young players as he has and getting to the FA Cup final – albeit they are not doing too well in the league – that is a good part of his time and story at Manchester United.”