Steve Bruce: Real Madrid Boss Jose Mourinho Favourite To Succeed Sir Alex Ferguson As Manchester United Manager

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has tipped Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho for the Manchester United job.

Bruce believes that current United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be around for some time yet, but thinks that that when the job vacancy eventually arises, the Portuguese will definitely be in the frame.

“You’d have to say Jose Mourinho would be a huge candidate,” Bruce said. “He’s not lost at home [in the league] for 8½ years. His record speaks for itself.”

Bruce also believes that the Glazer family are likely to look abroad when the time comes to replace Ferguson.

“Would they go for Mourinho, he’s outspoken? I don’t think they’ll be getting a manager from Aberdeen like last time. The previous regime might have gone for a British manager but I’m not sure now.”

However, Bruce was keen to point out that he believes there is plenty of life in Ferguson yet - and that whoever does follow him will have a huge task.

“To manage a club of that size for that time-span is mind-blowing,” Bruce added.

“His own personal health will determine how long he stays but after speaking to him in the last few weeks he’s certainly got the hunger, and the desire is still there.

“But how do you follow that? He’s still got it. It was like with Sir Matt Busby. Whoever can or does, it’s a big challenge.”

Sunderland take on United on Saturday, and Bruce revealed he still addresses Ferguson in the same way as he did when he played under him.

“I still call him boss, he’s the boss. He calls himself the boss as well just to make sure you don’t get carried away.”