Stam eyeing Man Utd return as he brands manager role his dream job

Manchester United legend Jaap Stam is eyeing up Jose Mourinho's job.

Portuguese Mourinho has endured a struggling start to the Premier League season with United languishing in eighth place.

The Red Devils have suffered defeats to Tottenham , Watford , West Ham in the league and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Derby.

As a result Mourinho's tenure at Old Trafford has been under fire - although there is the potential he will leave of his own volition with Real Madrid reportedly keen.

And one man who would relish a place in Mourinho's dug out is former defender Stam - whose last managerial role was at Reading.

Stam told Voetbal Primeur : "I hope to work sometime for an absolute top club. It should be no surprise that Manchester United are a dream club for me.

"That was the situation during my playing career, and it is still the case."

The Dutchman played 127 times for the Red Devils between 1998 and 2001, winning the Premier League in each of his three seasons at the club.

Stam also lifted the FA Cup and Champions League in 1999 as he was part of Sir Alex Ferguson's famous Treble side.

He went on to play for Lazio, AC Milan and Ajax before turning to coaching.

Stam worked as an assistant manager at PEC Zwolle, before moving to Dutch colossus Ajax - where he was assistant for the first team and youth set-up.

He spent two seasons at the Royals in the Championship but departed in March after leaving the club in the relegation places - ending with a record of 98 games, winning 40 and losing 35.

But despite his struggles in Berkshire, Stam is keen to find another job as soon as possible.

Stam said: "At the moment my main criterion is to find a club with ambition. It could be in England, Holland or any country."