Sir Alex Ferguson to recommend Jose Mourinho as successor

Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to recommend controversial Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho as his successor when his reign at Old Trafford ends, according to reports.

The former Chelsea boss has been linked with the United post ever since leaving Stamford Bridge in 2007. However, senior figures at the club are understood to be concerned with the reputation "the Special One" would bring to the Manchester outfit.

Mourinho was alleged to have poked Barcelona's assistant manager in the eye after his side's defeat in the Spanish Super Cup. However, Ferguson still believes that the Portuguese manager, who he knows well from his spell in England, is the right man for the job.

Former United captain Rio Ferdinand has previously said that he believes that Mourinho is the "only man big enough" for the Manchester United managerial job after Ferguson retires.