Deco: Jose Mourinho a perfect fit for Manchester United

Jose Mourinho is the ideal candidate to restore Manchester United to their former glory, according to his Portuguese compatriot Deco. The former Portugal midfielder, who won the Champions League under Mourinho with Porto in 2004, described his countryman as the best coach he worked under and backed him to do well if he is given the Old Trafford job.

Mourinho is understood to be keen on returning to management this summer and has been linked with United and French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The 53-year-old has been out of a job since he was sacked by Chelsea in December. His representatives reportedly held talks with United in February over the Portuguese potentially succeeding Louis van Gaal in the summer.

"I don't know if he's going to United but, if it's true, in my opinion he is the right man for the job," Deco was quoted as saying by FourFourTwo.

"In this moment United needs to bring back all its history and I think Mourinho is the perfect coach to train United."

Porto success

Deco, 38, was a key component of the Porto team that won the Champions League by beating Monaco 3-0 in the final in 2004. He went on to win league titles with Barcelona, Chelsea and Brazilian club Fluminense in a hugely successful career before hanging up his boots in 2013.

Recalling the time he worked with Mourinho, the former Portugal international added: "I worked with Mourinho when he was starting in football. At that time we had fantastic players and one young coach like Mourinho giving us everything us he knows.

"For us it was a fantastic moment because in that time I learned a lot. Not just me, me and the other players. We won everything we could. The memories are good and he was the best coach that I had. Our team, our generation at Porto was a fantastic experience."

United bosses are reported to be mulling over the future of Van Gaal, who has 12 months left on his three-year contract. United missed out on a top four place in the Premier League but are through to their first FA Cup final in nearly a decade, which they will contest with Crystal Palace at Wembley on 21 May.