Jose admits United desire

'Special One' would consider replacing Fergie

Last updated: 28th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Jose admits United desire

Mourinho: United interest

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Jose Mourinho has revealed that he would like to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

Ferguson, 67, has stated his intention to step down at Old Trafford before 2012, but at the moment he shows few signs of giving up the reins after 23 years in charge.

But former Chelsea boss Mourinho has admitted he would readily consider taking charge of United.

"I would consider going to Manchester United but United have to consider if they want me to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson," the Inter Milan chief told the Daily Mirror.

"If they do, then of course.

"I like England, where the fans are very passionate and make the game a beautiful occasion with such an incredible atmosphere."

Mourinho left England two years ago when he quit as boss of Chelsea and he returned to football last season as he guided Inter Milan to the Serie A title.

It has not passed Mourinho by, however, that Chelsea have failed to win the title since his departure.

"I had many conversations before Chelsea and I decided on a divorce," he continued.

"It was difficult for me because we loved each other but the relationship went in one direction and it was best for everyone.

"Since I left I became a champion again but they have not been champions again. I keep on winning and they don't."

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Comments (62)

Andy Eyre (Manchester United fan) says...

I think Mourinho is the outright contender for the job when SAF finally quits. Personally I am terrified as to think when that day comes because I'm 27 years old n all I've ever known is "The Fergie Years". The only comparison is when Sir Matt stepped down.......there's no-one anywhere near as good so we get the next best thing!!! That's Mouirinho!!!

Posted 03:43 29th July 2009

Sean Pope (Bristol City fan) says...

Jose doesnt know how to win? Are you kidding me? United would be lucky to have him......Look at his record, its immence! Who cares what football you play, you would certainly win trophies!

Posted 02:37 29th July 2009

Joe Cartwright (Manchester United fan) says...

Steve Bruce has the United mentality!!! If he does well at sunderland, he would be my first choice!!!

Posted 02:25 29th July 2009

James Thomas (Manchester United fan) says...

Jose's a class manager and I would love to see him at United but no-one will ever replace SAF. Nonetheless Jose would still do a great job

Posted 21:07 28th July 2009

Scott Collins (Rangers fan) says...

For me it has to be Moyes, O'Neil will be in the pot but for he uses the little and large combo it's his style too bland. Moyes has been consistant and Everton have been punching above their weight and how many players have left Everton to move to better teams, none he has players respect he works hard and sure he has bought the odd 10 mil player but he has cover players who were in the Championship talk about improving and getting the most of out a player/team. Once, Rodwell and some of the other Everton youth shine through then you'll see more people praise Moyes, plus he's Scottish we make the best managers :P

Posted 20:57 28th July 2009

Darren Mclaughlin (Manchester United fan) says...

As and when Sir Alex decides to step down it will not be a time for sentimentality. I don't believe any of the current managers who played under Fergie are capable of managing the team. When Sir Matt stepped down the club went into decline for years because he was such an enigma. Sir Alex is exactly the same and what United will need it a strong, capable character, accustomed to big games and big players, to come in and not be overshadowed by 'the ghost of' (please excuse the morbid terminology) Sir Alex. Mourinho is just the man... I've said it since the day he left Chelsea!

Posted 20:08 28th July 2009

Sam Bennellick (Manchester United fan) says...

Mourinho!!! Don't make me laugh!!! "I would consider going to Manchester United!!!" Pffft!!! As if he has the choice in the matter!!! - (Andy Young....He can stay a stinking blue!!!! United don't need him!!! ) Utd remain trustworthy in bringing through the ranks... Carlos Queiroz would've been the best and perfect candidate for the job!! So united will again look within to find a replacement when cometh the time.... United to win again! This Season!!!!

Posted 19:58 28th July 2009

Nihil Morjaria (Manchester United fan) says...

No. When Fergie leaves we'll need stability. We CANNOT afford to go through what Chelsea have recently. We are built on stability. He seems a good man manager, just ask Terry or Lampard, but I would much rather, like Ronaldo, we had somebody else at the club who cared more about Utd than himself. I wouldnt like Moyes simply because he's boring and doesnt get on with our best player, Rooney. I'd rather have Rooney than Moyes. i wouldnt like Keane either as he's too volatile. That leaves us with Capello (boring but no-nonsense), Guardiola(if he gets sacked by a Barca board over expecting) and maybe Rijkaard. One thing is certain : Man Utd will never be the same without Sir Alex, and our success will not be the same for a few years. I'd be braced for a less severe Arsenal type situation, but stick with the biggest team in the world and our time will come again

Posted 19:12 28th July 2009

Lenny De griffa (Manchester United fan) says...

Come on Eric, The King will come back and take charge at the theatre of dreams when fergie retires. Yes Mourinho would be a good replacement for fergie he'll win us trophies however we need someone who knows the fans, club and the city to be a sucess. Yes Cantona hasn't had any managerial experience but fergie could be next to him all of the way to make him into a fantastic manager. Hail King Eric. Kaptian, King.Legend

Posted 19:04 28th July 2009

Sergio C (Manchester United fan) says...

i think that Eric Cantona would be a great replacement for Sir Alex. He is a true legend and would bring manchester uniteds gameplay to a whole new level. i wouldn't mind jose though he is an exceptional manager

Posted 18:32 28th July 2009

Dil Vashi says...

I think Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should succeed SAF. He has done very well as the reserves manager and has been with the club for over a decade. He has learned everything from SAF both from a players view and now as a manager. Also by 2012 all the Machedas and Da Silvas etc will be approaching their prime, and OGS will know them inside out, they are his team essentially. Something just tells me that he will be the next great United manager!

Posted 18:21 28th July 2009

James Hall (Manchester United fan) says...

UTD will need a manager who has won titles and competitions previously & a manager with CL experience & Oniell, Moyes, Fergie Jnr & Ex UTD players dont have that at the moment & more than likely wont have that in 3 years time, so a coach like Jose, Capello, Wenger, Hiddink, Guardiola, Rijkarrd would fit the bill better as they know what the pressure feels like to need 3pts from the last game to win the title or what is feels like t be in a final of a european comp!! Personally i think i crafty swoop for Wenger is a cracking option, he likes youth, playes flowing football, commitment (in that been at arsenal for many yrs now, 4 without a trophy!), & has vast amonts of EPL experience aswel as an unsuccessful attempt at the CL!

Posted 17:13 28th July 2009

Andy Baconface (Bayern Munich fan) says...

Who was the idiot that wanted Darren Ferguson to replace Fergie?? Hang your head in shame and follow Netball next season. You know more about that than football!

Posted 17:13 28th July 2009

Jon D (Manchester United fan) says...

Get Avram Grant in. He'd be easier to get and he actually got Chelsea to the CL Final. People laughed at him when he joined and managed Chelsea but lets face it, he beat Scolari. Seriously though its still hard to imagine a United without Fergie but if you have to you can see Jose on the touchline and the only other man hat could be considered would be Guardiola but he wont leave Barca in the near future.

Posted 13:18 28th July 2009

Anthony Lloyd (Manchester United fan) says...

I think Mourinho is an excellent replacement for SAF only because he has the arrogance that the job needs. Other managers including Roy Keane (maybe in 10 yrs time) would feel daunted by the task. With regards to his playing style he said before at Chelsea that he the free flowing football couldn't be done because of the team he had. With MAN Utd there's no way he could play boring football it would be a case of who he brought i once he was in the job.

Posted 13:16 28th July 2009

Mark Stephens (Manchester United fan) says...

I guess its all down to personal choice at the end of the day,Jose is a great manager but on a short term basis. He is too tempremental and sulky to run our great club. Mark hughes over David Moyes any day of the week.(maybe Cantona for just one dream year.!)

Posted 13:05 28th July 2009

Martin Halliday (Manchester United fan) says...

Anyone who believes "the special one" should replace SAF should remember Utd's history and tradition of developing youth and playing attacking football. 2 things Jose won't bring to Utd. His appointment as SAF's replacement would be a slap in the face to everything Utd stand for and I can't believe some so called Utd fans would even entertain his appointment.

Posted 13:00 28th July 2009

Kevin Corcoran (Manchester United fan) says...

I don't like the idea because similar to Rafa Benitez, Jose has never really improved a player. He buys them at their peak and insists on restricting their natural ability for the benefit of his rigid formations. The history of Man United is based on spontaneous and risky attacking football. Jose and Rafa firstly don't know how to operate flowing football and win, and secondly wouldn't stand for it because it decreases their personal control. Another point is that Man United has always found and created its own talent, whether it be players or managers. Sir Alex or Sir Matt were hardly household names before they joined United. I hope this trend continues and I hope United use their instincts to pluck another gem from obscurity. I like Owen Coyle as a possible successor.

Posted 12:44 28th July 2009

Nathan Ashworth (Manchester United fan) says...

This has been on the cards a while in my opinion, Mourinho hasn't been happy for a long time in Italy and as he says in his own words, he misses the english game. I only think he would return to manage united or liverpool though. As for the comment by Mr Young regarding Jose being a true Blue, come on, the only true Blue you've got is John Terry and he nearly came to Manchester's 2nd team!!!!

Posted 12:40 28th July 2009

Graham Davies (Manchester United fan) says...

Mourinho's ability makes him the obvious choice for me and while many Utd fans disliked him at Chelsea that was mainly due to his success at OT's expense. I don't agree with ppls opinion on short term managers. Currently in football only success is gud enough, SAF isnt only a one off in terms of trophies but also length of career at one club. The new manager will need to bring instant success to OT or the fans will not be happy and revenues will drop. As with many big clubs across europe that means deliver or leave. It would be naive to think Utd could a/ afford to bring in an unproven manager and b/ that he & Utd will commit for 20+ yrs. This brings us back to Mourhino and managers like Capello who also have a knack of delivering trophies no matter where they go or how long they stay.

Posted 12:34 28th July 2009

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