Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed under-fire Jose Mourinho to reverse the damage of Chelsea's early-season woes.

The Portuguese has come in for criticism in recent weeks as the Premier League champions sit 16th in the table, with eight points from a possible 24 in what has proven an underwhelming defence of their title thus far.

Mourinho warned owner Roman Abramovich that he would be sacking the Blues' 'best-ever manager' if he went down that route following last week's 3-1 home defeat by Southampton.

However, Ferguson, who won 13 league titles with the Red Devils before retiring in 2013, is certain that, with support, the 52-year-old will find the "solution".

"I think that Jose's press conference the other day was challenging the owner to support him in a bad time," the Scot told American show Morning Joe. "At times you maybe don't think you're getting complete support from everyone, but it happens. It's not always correct, and I don't think it's correct what Jose's thinking at the moment - I think he's got the support.

"He will find a solution. It may take a few weeks, but you've got to remember, he's lost his goalkeeper [Thibaut] Courtois, who's a fantastic goalkeeper. John Terry is in a little difficulty adjusting to his last season maybe, who knows - he played every game last season, the best central defender they've ever had - and he's in a difficult time.

"So if the spine of your team is not what it normally is, do you expect to get consistent results? I don't think so."

The West Londoners sit 10 points behind top-of-the-table Manchester City.