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Jose Mourinho welcomes United legend Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford

Sports

By Mirror | May 30, 2016

Newly-appointed Manchester United boss Mourinho believes Ferdinand has outstanding qualities to be part of his inner sanctum at Old Trafford and he has already made discreet enquiries about his availability.

The former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss has been impressed with ex-Reds centre-half Ferdinand’s manner and approach with young players, and believes his links with the club he served as a player from 2002-14 could make him a perfect choice.

Former England captain Ferdinand, 37, could even be used in an ambassadorial role to try to attract young players and be groomed as a coach for the future.

Ferdinand revealed earlier this year that he has already turned down several approaches from clubs to move into coaching after forging a career as a TV pundit with BT Sport and the BBC.

He also does extensive charity work and has relocated his family back to his native London after the tragic death of his wife Rebecca Ellison from cancer last year.

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But if he does harbour ambitions to move into coaching or management, then Mourinho’s interest could provide a perfect pathway into the game.

Mourinho knows bringing in former players would be a popular move among United fans and Ferdinand helped the Reds win six league titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League.

The former West Ham and Leeds star has impressed people within the game with his insight on TV, and Mourinho is already uncertain whether another United legend, Ryan Giggs, will stay at the club under him.

Giggs could leave as he wants to move into management in the long term, but former United chief executive Peter Kenyon has urged the Welshman not to end his 29-year association with them.

Kenyon said: “I think it would be fantastic if Ryan did stay at United and work with Mourinho because, first and foremost, he would learn an awful lot.

"He has only got to look at Aitor Karanka and see the job he's done at Middlesbrough, because Aitor was Jose’s deputy at Real Madrid, and see the sort of influence he can be."