United appeals to Mourinho

At 67, Ferguson knows he cannot continue indefinitely, even though he is presently fit and healthy and has no intention of giving up a job he has held for almost 23 years.

And Mourinho tolf the Daily Mirror: "I would consider going to Manchester United but United have to consider if they want me to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson. If they do, then of course."

United chief executive David Gill knows finding a suitable alternative will be the single most difficult task he will face given the incredible success Ferguson has enjoyed with the Red Devils.

Mourinho's name has been mentioned fairly frequently since his exit from Chelsea.

The Portuguese coach certainly has the charisma required to take on one of football's biggest jobs and is unlikely to be overwhelmed by the task of replacing the most successful British manager of all time.

And, while he insists he remains totally focused on trying to end Inter Milan's 44-year European Cup drought, he admitted the lure of returning to England with the current Premier League champions would probably be irresistible.

"I like England, where the fans are very passionate and make the game a beautiful occasion with such an incredible atmosphere," he added.

And it has not escaped Mourinho's notice that since his controversial exit two years ago, former employers Chelsea are now onto their fourth manager and have failed to recapture the title, while he - having guided Chelsea to back-to-back championships - has now won Serie A as well with Inter.

"I had many conversations before Chelsea and I decided on a divorce," he said. "It was difficult for me because we loved each other but the relationship went in one direction and it was best for everyone. Since I left I became champion again but they have not been champions again. I keep on winning and they don't."