The successor for Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United has been a much talked about topic, with candidates increasing and changing with every passing season.
However, despite all that there has been one constant over the past few years, and that is Jose Mourinho.
The current Real Madrid boss has been reportedly picked by Ferguson, along with Pep Guardiola, as the prime candidates to succeed him at United, when he finally decides to call it a day on his glittering career.
Guardiola might be the popular choice, owing to the fact that the former Barcelona manager loves to play an expansive style, and would definitely bring about another dimension to one of the biggest clubs in the world.
However, it is believed Mourinho might be Ferguson's first choice, despite the Portuguese not having the greatest records when it comes to playing eye-pleasing football. Mourinho, neverthless, is a winner, and has pretty much succeeded in every single club he has taken charge of.
Ferguson hinted at Mourinho being his possible successor, saying the former Chelsea manager was capable of handling any job.
"He can manage anywhere, absolutely," Ferguson told an ITV4 documentary on the Portuguese when asked if the current Real Madrid manager could take over from him at Old Trafford.
"I would never think a guy who hasn't played a game could be a top coach but then you've got to look at his personality. He's got a marvellous, strong personality and that bridges that gap.
"I remember his first press conference (with Chelsea) and I thought, 'Christ, he's a cocky b*****, him'. He was telling the players, 'Look, I'm the special one, we don't lose games.'
"Bloody hell, coming to England, he is only a young man and saying he is the special one! But it told all the players to have the belief they were going to win the league."
Ferguson also revealed he enjoys a warm relationship with the 49-year-old, who has left no doubts about wanting to return to England soon.
"When he comes into my office he can take a joke against himself, that is what I like about him," Ferguson added.
"I give him a lot of stick and he laughs it off. I don't think it bothers Jose (having a controversial image). He knows it is the results that count."
