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12.02.2016 Sports News

I See Myself In Mourinho …Sir Alex Ferguson

By Daily Guide
I See Myself In Mourinho Sir Alex Ferguson
12.02.2016 LISTEN

Jose Mourinho looks set to be in the Manchester United dug-out next season, if, as expected, he replaces Louis van Gaal as manager in the summer.

So how will the move to appoint Mourinho go down at Old Trafford? Will he be popular manager or will he not fit with the Manchester United mould?

Sportsmail has trawled through the archives to look for quotes from Manchester United stars past and present speaking about Mourinho over the years.

From Sir Alex Ferguson to David Beckham and Eric Cantona, they have all had their view on the Portuguese boss. Here is what they had to say.

Sir Alex Ferguson; April 2007, after Mourinho had complained about referees: ‘Mourinho seems to be on some sort of personal crusade. I am surprised no action has been taken. It’s calculated. We have four games to go now. If we get a penalty against us, Mourinho wins that war. That is wrong. It is a rant all the time now. I don’t think it is fair to the game.’

 
Sir Alex Ferguson; December 2011, in a book titled: Jose Mourinho, The Secrets of his Success: ‘I look at Jose and I see myself reflected in many of the things he does. In the first year at Chelsea when I saw him running along the touchline at Old Trafford, he reminded me of my first years at Aberdeen, jumping, raising my arms, celebrating. We’re only human. We can’t hide our emotions. They’re always there, they’re part of who we are, of our character.’

 David Beckham; December 2015, following Mourinho’s sacking by Chelsea: ‘Unfortunately this is how football is, but there is no disputing that Jose is one of the best managers in football.

‘Winning the league obviously last year, virtually the same squad this year – it is obviously surprising to see their league position. But I love Jose, I think he is an incredible manager, a great person and he is passionate about the game.

‘I hope he comes back to the Premier League quickly because the English public loves him, the fans love seeing him on the sideline and they love his character so it is a shame to see him leave.’

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Cristiano Ronaldo; November 2015, when asked about Mourinho’s coaching credentials: ‘I would put him at the top, I always say that. He’s a good coach, he did many good things and won many trophies for other clubs.’

 Peter Schmeichel; February 2013, on whether or not he could see Mourinho succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson: ‘He will not be the successor. I don’t think the club would be happy with everything Mourinho brings with him.'

‘He’s a great candidate for his qualities as a manager but the club doesn’t want all the things that come with him.'

‘Chelsea, Inter and now Real Madrid — he doesn’t last more than three years.’

Eric Cantona, March 2013, with his take on Mourinho: ‘I’m not a fan of Mourinho’s playing style, but he has a fascinating personality. He’s very intelligent, has an incredible charisma and a special way of dealing with things.'

‘He says that a coach has to be like an actor and I agree with him. He always deflects the attention to him – not only for his ego, but to take the pressure away from the players.'

‘People talk mostly about Mourinho, despite him having world champions on his side.’


Rio Ferdinand, February 2016
: ‘I think if they bring someone else in, it is a huge decision because if this doesn’t go right, it could be a long cycle. We don’t want to be a repeat of what Liverpool have gone through. Manchester United don’t want that long time in the wilderness of not really winning or being successful and not challenging for titles.'

‘That can’t afford to happen at Man United. The problem they’ve got now is who they choose.'

‘Are they going to go for someone who has had success, who knows how to manage teams like Jose Mourinho, or will they go with someone who is already in the house like Ryan Giggs?'

‘That’s the problem they have got and the questions that have to be asked. If I knew the answer to that question, I would be the CEO.’

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