Redknapp: Mourinho should be the one to replace Sir Alex Ferguson

The former Tottenham boss believes that the Real Madrid coach should be the legendary Scot's successor at Manchester United when he eventually decides to retire.

Harry Redknapp backs Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho to take over from Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson when he retires.

Mourinho, who won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2005 and 2006, has made his desire to return to England clear after he finishes his job in the Spanish capital. The former Tottenham boss is confident that Mourinho's winning mentality makes him the right man to succeed the Red Devils icon, 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 cabinet in more than a quarter century in charge at Old Trafford, the ex-Spurs manager noted that it would be a daunting task for any successor, making Mourinho more of a unique candidate to take it on successfully.

"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."

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