Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken about Manchester United’s new boss Jose Mourinho. Once his arch rival in management, now Mourinho is to take over the hot seat as United boss and Fergie has given his views on what he thinks the Portuguese will bring.

The Portuguese coach had long been touted as a potential Old Trafford boss, and was close to joining the club after Ferguson retired in 2013, but opted for Chelsea instead.

United have only won the FA Cup since Ferguson’s departure, a trophy won on May 21st by Louis van Gaal. But the Scotsman believes Mourinho will massively improve the side, and bring silverware to the club.

“I think there’ll be a massive improvement.”

“I think Jose was wrong to go back to Chelsea. It’s always difficult when you go back somewhere for a second time.”

“He’s won the European Cup twice with different clubs and won titles with all the clubs he’s been at. You can’t ignore his record and I think Manchester United is the right kind of club for him.”

[Quotes via Sky Sports]

Ferguson also said he understood Mourinho’s decision to bring in his own assistant instead of using club legend Ryan Giggs. Giggs has left United after 29 years at the club, but Fergie believes the Welshman will succeed outside the club.

“You have got to have, in your assistant, someone you have trusted all your life,” he told BBC Sport.

“When I came to United, I brought Archie Knox because he was a valuable person for me. I trusted him 100%. Jose Mourinho has had his assistant for years and, quite rightly, has stuck by his own man.”

“If Jose hadn’t had an assistant, I know he would have taken Ryan.”

“It is time Ryan stood on his own feet, got out there and accepted the challenge.”

“I talk about his poker face. He has a bit of steel about him,” he added. “It is such a highly intense results industry, you need people who go into it to have a bit of steel about them, a bit of character and personality.”

[Quotes via BBC Sport]