Jose Mourinho: Manchester is Sir Alex Ferguson’s kingdom

Jose Mourinho has played down the chances of him taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United any time soon by insisting that he expects the Scot to continue in his job for “many years.”

Mourinho has been touted as a potential successor for Ferguson when the 71-year-old decides to call time on his glittering spell in charge of the Red Devils.

But the Portuguese coach, who watched his Real Madrid side knock United out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage earlier this month, has dampened speculation suggesting he could take over at Old Trafford in the near future.

“I think Manchester is Sir Alex’s kingdom,” Mourinho, who also distanced himself from the Manchester City job, told Sky Sports.

“I would love that job to be his job forever. Of course it cannot be forever but I would love it to be for many, many more years.

“And in the other chair in Manchester is Roberto. He has a contract, he was a champion last season so I don’t think there is a move over there and I hope everything goes well for everybody.

“I wish for them the same as what I wish for myself, which is to finish the season well.”

Mourinho’s Real Madrid face Galatasaray in the Champions League quarter-finals and derby rivals Atletico Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.