Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino has 'fantastic potential', says Sir Alex Ferguson

Ex-Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson thinks Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has "fantastic potential". The Premier League icon is a self-confessed fan of the 44-year-old Argentine, who has overseen a marked change in Spurs' playing style since 2014.

Sir Alex considers Tottenham to be among the contenders to win the league and the 74-year-old believes they are well-positioned to mount a challenge.

"For my money Mauricio Pochettino has fantastic potential. Spurs have a good mix of youth and experience," the United icon explained to German magazine Kicker. "Top players like [Harry] Kane or [Eric] Dier were injured but they're still in a good position."

However, Sir Alex is similarly enthusiastic about Tottenham's Premier League rivals, pointing out that Manchester City, United and Chelsea all boast big-name managers themselves. "[City boss] Guardiola's skills are beyond debate, Conte is getting Chelsea on track, but Mourinho can also rival Guardiola – he's won the Champions League with two different clubs and titles in three different countries," the ex-United manager said.

Sir Alex's remarks come shortly after his former captain Roy Keane rubbished Spurs' hopes of winning the Premier League. Keane did, however, admit that the North London club have made major progress under Pochettino.

"I can't see them winning the Premier League, but they are progressing really well as a football club," said Keane. "It's now about getting their hands on a trophy, what I mean is the FA Cup or League Cup."

Meanwhile, Sir Alex admitted he was "disappointed that there are not more English or Scottish managers" in the top flight. But the former United boss added: "At the end of the day, quality is the decisive factor and the overseas owners want success and the best."