Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand wants Jose Mourinho to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as manager. "There are very few people who could take over," said Ferdinand in an interview in GQ magazine out this Thursday.

"If you're talking about someone with the ego and personality to do it, then Jose Mourinho is the name that jumps out at you.

"The gaffer [Ferguson] is phenomenal. He is a winner, full stop. He can still do the hairdryer. I've seen players turn pink and black guys turn white. It's not pretty, it is unbelievable!"

Ferdinand's call for Mourinho might bring about some consternation within the corridors of power at Old Trafford. But Bryan Robson warned that Mourinho's defensive style at Chelsea may not win him friends at United.

"Manchester United aren't just a club who only want to win things," said the former United captain. "The fans demand that success is achieved by playing the Manchester United way. Attacking football is a vital part of the club's heritage. For me, Jose Mourinho is too cautious in his approach to the game to be manager."