Portuguese super-agent Jorge Mendes has claimed that only Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has the ability to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, according to reports from the Guardian.

Mendes has questioned United's decision to hire Louis van Gaal last summer, insisting that only Mourinho could have continued Ferguson’s successful 26 year reign at Old Trafford.

The agent, who represents Mourinho and some of football’s top players like Cristiano Ronaldo, spoke to the BBC and stated that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward can help bring success back to the red side of Manchester, but it would be almost impossible to replace Sir Alex.

He said: “At the same time, he has just one problem – it’s completely impossible to find someone like Sir Alex Ferguson because he’s a god, he’s a genius and to find a genius is very difficult.

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“You have one in England – José Mourinho. Having Sir Alex Ferguson ensures at this moment you have 12 or 15 points more. He’s finished his career, but he’s someone that makes the difference.”

Mendes also said that Mourinho is looking to replicate what Ferguson did with Man United at Chelsea, and that he will be in charge at the London club for years to come.

“José will stay for sure. He will be the Sir Alex Ferguson of Chelsea Football Club. He loves the supporters, he loves the city and I think he will stay there for more than 10 years," he added.

And Mendes also admitted that his client David de Gea, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, is expected to stay with the Red Devils for at least another year.

“He has one year left on his contract and I think that he will stay in Manchester. The player will decide, but he’s happy there, at the moment.”

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