The United boss spared a thought for Grant in the wake of United's penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea in the Champions League final.

And while he did not name names he pointed the finger at players whose loyalties might still lie with back-to-back league title-winner Mourinho rather than Grant.

Ferguson said: "When he (Grant) came to Chelsea from Portsmouth it was to help Jose Mourinho. He was then thrust into a job at a difficult time.

"When a manager who has had big success leaves a club he takes loyalties with him. That's not easy (for the next manager)."