Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that Jose Mourinho is one of the rare few able to pick up the reigns at Manchester United in the Premier League, after the Scotsman’s inevitable retirement.

After entering the coaching world at an early age for his local youth team - acting as assistant manager at Estrela da Amadora and then scouting for Ovarense - the turning point in Mourinho’s illustrious career came as translator for Bobby Robson’s Sporting Lisbon, Porto and Barcelona.

Since such humble beginnings the Portuguese has won 21 trophies in the space of 10 years as manager of Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

Speaking to ITV4, Ferguson stated that Mourinho could manage any team in the world, but ceased to make any “forecasts on what is going to happen at this club [United].”

"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,” said Ferguson.

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

Meanwhile, Mourinho hasn't been shy about his desire to return to the Premier League, stating that, “In my whole career everything was perfect, the only thing I didn't do, and I hope I can do it one day, is to win a Champions League with an English club."