Sir Alex Ferguson claims Jose Mourinho is good enough to replace him as Manchester United manager

Sir Alex Ferguson claims Jose Mourinho could replace him as Manchester United manager.

The former Chelsea boss is one of the favourites to take over the Old Trafford hotseat when Ferguson decides to call it a day.

And, speaking to ITV4, the Red Devils chief admits the Portuguese could handle the pressures, saying: "He can manage anywhere, absolutely. I'm not going to put any forecasts on what is going to happen at this club. I won't last forever, but Jose can manage anywhere, there is no question about that."

Unlike Ferguson, a player of some repute during his career, Mourinho had little success on the field, making his haul of 21 trophies from 10 years in the dugout all the more impressive.

"I would never think a guy who hasn't played a game could be a top coach, but then you've got to look at his personality, I think his personality does it," Ferguson added.

"He's got a marvellous, strong personality and I think that bridges that gap.

"That's incredible (his trophy haul). How old is he now? Fiftieth year. So he is 20 years behind me. At the same rate he is going to add another 42 trophies. At the current rate, (that is) amazing isn't it?"

Upon arriving at Chelsea Mourinho caused a media storm when he referred to himself as a 'Special One', a nickname which has stuck with him through subsequent trophy-laden spells with Inter Milan and Madrid.

"I remember his first press conference (at Chelsea) and I thought 'he's a cocky b****r, him'," Ferguson said.

"He was telling the players, 'Look, I'm the Special One, we don't lose games'. Bloody hell, coming to England, he is only a young man and saying he is the Special One!

"But what it did, it told all the players to have the belief they were going to win the league."