AN OBVIOUS SUCCESSION..

There are renewed reports leaking out of Madrid that former Chelsea and current Real Madrid manager Jose Mourhino still retains a hankering to succeed `Sir` Alex Ferguson at  Manchester United.   It seems that both Ferguson and Mourhino enjoy a friendship and are in regular contact with each other, presumably on the basis that it takes one to know one.

Indeed, it`s also understood that Ferguson has long since anointed the self-styled `special one` as his preferred successor at Old Trafford, when  Ferguson finally decides to retire.   I guess the only snag for Mourhino is that Ferguson seems intent on staying put for the next few years in a desperate attempt to secure a third European Championship, but hope springs eternal.

Now the above contain at least two examples of the arrogance that Ferguson displays - he will decide when he goes and he will decide who succeeds him.   Shouldn`t be surprised really as it goes with the territory.   And yet there is something fairly obvious about this succession should it come to pass.  Indeed, if Manchester United are after a smooth regime transition then they could do worse than let Mourhino fulfill his long held dream.

Outside of Manchester, with the probable exception of the foothills of Surrey and Hertfordshire and despite a long and successful history, Manchester United are held in general dislike, not to say contempt, for the manner in which they conduct themselves - with an unfailing arrogance, an attitude of entitlement and disregard towards officials and administrators.   All of which are likely to be perpetuated if the club act on Ferguson`s advice and appoint Mourhino, in which case, it will be difficult to escape the notion that they deserve each other.