Manchester United: Sir Alex Ferguson excited by Jose Mourinho's appointment at Old Trafford

Sir Alex Ferguson thinks Jose Mourinho will spark a dramatic improvement in the fortunes of Manchester United - but has questioned the wisdom of his decision to return to Chelsea in 2013. Mourinho, 53, was yesterday (5 June) unveiled as the new manager of United and Sir Alex is excited by the Portuguese's arrival in north-west England.

The Scot thinks Mourinho can help lead United back to the top of the English game, following a largely unsuccessful three-year spell since his retirement. Mourinho has been brought in to replace Dutchman Louis van Gaal and Sir Alex is confident United have found the right man to take them forward.

"I think he'll be a massive improvement, I really do," Sir Alex said, according to Sky Sports, before questioning Mourinho's decision to return to Stamford Bridge three years ago. He said: "I thought Jose was wrong to go back to Chelsea ... I think it is always difficult to go back somewhere for a second time.

"But in terms of ability, charisma, personality, success he's had, he's won the Champions League with two different clubs, he won league titles with all the teams he's been at ... his record, you can't ignore."

And despite some United fans and former players having reservations about Mourinho's abrasive nature and conservative style of play, Sir Alex has backed him to thrive at Old Trafford. "I think United is the right kind of club for him and I think he'll do really well," the United legend reflected.

Since taking the reins at United, Mourinho has already signed defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal for £30m and Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a free transfer. Meanwhile, Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Borussia Dortmund is also expected to follow them in the coming days, according to The Guardian.