Bryan Robson claims Manchester United already have their very own Pep Guardiola in Ryan Giggs.
The former Old Trafford captain has urged United's CEO Ed Woodward to stick with the original plan that was arranged, and make Ryan Giggs the new boss once Louis van Gaal goes.
However, with the Dutchman's future already in doubt, in addition to Pep Guardiola's impending summer arrival to Manchester rivals City, Jose Mourinho and Mauricio Pochettino have been strongly linked to take over in the summer.
But Robson hopes that Woodward can ignore the desire to bring in another high profile manager, which would allow Giggs to become United's Special One, just as Barcelona did with Guardiola.
Speaking to The Sun, Robson, who captained and played 461 times for United in 13 years, said: "Ryan really can be the Pep Guardiola of United, I am sure of it.
"Yes, he's a quiet lad but that should make no difference.
"He has always been a deep thinker on the game. He's worked hard to get to this point.
"They talk about Guardiola being intelligent and having a great football brain. Ryan is no different.
"He just needs the chance to prove what he can do - once Louis van Gaal goes."
And United's ambassador warned against rash decisions by the Old Trafford hierarchy during a testing season.
He added: "There should be no knee-jerk reaction, no panic.
"Guardiola has a great record but United should not be reacting to what happens at City.
"United should carry on what was started when Van Gaal arrived.
"It was always said that during Van Gaal's time as manager Ryan would learn under him, get his pro-licence and be ready for the job.
"That should still be the case.
"People say Ryan hasn't got the experience. But he watched how Sir Alex Ferguson worked for 26 years and he's watching Van Gaal go about things now."
Guardiola was promoted from Barca B to Nou Camp supremo partly because he was seen as a guardian of the club's philosophy.
Robson thinks Giggs, 42, is the right man for the same reason. He said: "They say it is too big a job for Ryan but he knows what United is all about.
"He represents Manchester United's soul. He has been at the club since he was 13 and knows what is expected.
"The owners will make their decision and, in terms of Mourinho, I know there have been rumours flying around.
"But there is no stand-out person who could do the job any better than Ryan.
"Remember, Guardiola was untried as a top-line manager before Barcelona decided to give him his chance.
"The only way we are going to know if Giggsy can do the job is for him to be given it."