Redknapp tips Mourinho to succeed Ferguson

Harry Redknapp has backed Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho to take over at Manchester United when Alex Ferguson retires.

Mourinho, who won the English Premier League with Chelsea in 2005 and 2006, has made clear his desire to return to England when his time in the Spanish capital comes to an end.

And former Tottenham manager Redknapp is confident Mourinho’s winning mentality makes him the right man to succeed Ferguson, who reached his 26th anniversary in the Old Trafford dugout in November.

“It is hardly the greatest secret that Jose is planning, one day, to manage again in the Premier League and it wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up in Manchester but I can picture him being at United rather than City,” Redknapp told The Sun.

“When Alex Ferguson eventually calls time on his amazing career, there will not be many serious contenders to take over, but Jose, I have no doubt, would be big enough to take on the ultimate challenge and succeed the greatest manager this country has ever seen.”

Given Ferguson’s vast trophy haul from his time in charge at Old Trafford, Redknapp knows it would be a daunting task for any successor, making Mourinho one of few candidate equipped to meet the challenge.

“Attempting to manage this great club has broken many managers. Look at when Sir Matt Busby left Old Trafford. The likes of Frank O’Farrell and Wilf McGuinness really struggled as it was virtually an impossible job,” Redknapp said.

“Taking over from Fergie, whenever it happens, will also be almost impossible but Jose could once again be the special one. If anyone could do it, he could, and United fans would love him.”