Man United boss backs ‘madman’ Mourinho

Sir Alex Ferguson has virtually anointed Jose Mourinho as his successor by defending the Real Madrid coach’s controversial and outspoken style.
 
The ‘Daily Mirror’ reported that Mourinho is among the names tipped to succeed Ferguson when the Manchester United boss eventually retires.
 
The self-appointed ‘Special One’ was handed a five-match ban for his conduct during and remarks after Real Madrid’s ill-tempered Champions League semifinal with Barcelona last season.
 
And Mourinho sparked further controversy last month when TV cameras caught him gouging the right eye of Barca assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the Nou Camp as Real were beaten in the Spanish Super Cup.

But United boss Ferguson, speaking in Italy in an interview published on Tuesdday, said Mourinho should never lose his natural “enthusiasm” but warned that managers must be careful not to embarrass themselves.
 
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with this enthusiasm that coaches like Mourinho have,” said the fiery Scot.
 
“I had it when I was young. When I was young I was out there all the time, directing and all that, you know?
 
“That’s the way Mourinho is, that’s his nature. You have some coaches who sit there and take notes.
 
“I can’t do that. I’ve never done that. I depend on my brain to remember things.”
 
Former Chelsea boss Mourinho came to prominence when his Porto side knocked United out of the Champions League on away goals with a last-minute strike at Old Trafford in 2004.
 
Recalling that encounter, Ferguson said: “I think back to when Porto scored against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
 
“He (Mourinho) ran all the way down the touchline and was jumping about like a madman, I said to myself ‘I used to do that myself!’.
 
“At the time you can be angry about it, but there’s nothing wrong with enthusiasm. Obviously you don’t want to embarrass yourself.
 
“But when people can recognise that enthusiastic part (of a manager), supporters know that guy is fighting for them.”
 

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