Rio: Mourinho the man to replace Fergie

The 67-year-old Scot has been linked with retirement ever since revealing he planned to leave the club at the end of the 2004/05 campaign, before changing his mind and going on to lead the club to the Premier League and Champions League double in 2008.

However, Ferguson is believed to be considering walking away within the next three years, with Ferdinand revealing ex-Chelsea chief Mourinho should be the man to try and fill Fergie's shoes.

“There are very few people who could take over but if you're talking about someone with the ego and personality to do it, then Jose Mourinho is the name that jumps out at you,” he told GQ.

Mourinho spent three successful years at Stamford Bridge, guiding the Blues to two Premier League titles, two Carling Cups and the FA Cup.

And since taking charge of Inter last summer, he has guided the Nerazzuri to top spot in Serie A, seven points cleat of nearest challengers Juventus.

United and Inter meet at Old Trafford on March 11 in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 clash, with the tie goalless following a stalemate at the San Siro.

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