Former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has privately admitted that he regrets not appointing Jose Mourinho has his successor when he retired in 2013.

The United legend chose a rare candidate in David Moyes to succeed him at the Old Trafford much to the surprise of many football fans. The former Everton boss then failed to carry on Fergie’s legacy and did not impress many which led to his eventual dismissal months after.

Prior to Alex Ferguson’s retirement, there were reports linking Jose Mourinho as a one of the likely candidates for the job at theatre of dreams but was countered by claims that the club hierarchy never liked the Portuguese’s confrontational approach with the likes of Fergie and club great, Sir Bobby Charlton kicking against the idea.

However, reports in the Daily Mirror has claimed that the Scot has told his close associates that he regrets not choosing Mourinho as his successor in 2013.

Jose Mourinho did not also have the best of time at Chelsea after his move from Real Madrid, with reports that the Portuguese boss fancied the United job which he eventually got last summer.

The 57-year-old has done well at the Old Trafford so far, helping Manchester United to a memorable EFL cup win, becoming the first manager to lift a trophy in his debut season at United.