Jose Mourinho’s former player and one time United target (if you believe the rumours) Wesley Sneijder has claimed that his former boss is the natural successor to Sir Alex and should even succeed Capello at the same time.

“English football excites him more than any other football in Europe and I don’t think it’s a question of if he returns to the Premier League but when.

“I think it’s written for him to take over Manchester United in a few years. One great manager will retire and another one will take over. But if he was offered the England job alongside the Manchester United one in a few years I am sure he would take it. He likes the daily interaction with players too much to take on an international job alone.

“Jose and I became good friends at Inter and, from conversations we had, I know he thinks he could really do something with the England players.

“When he takes the United job, the English FA must offer him the national post as well, and from conversations we have had I think he would take it, in fact I know he would.”

“We are talking about the best coach in the world, and it has been done before successfully.

“His other job would be in the Premier League, so he would be working with and watching the relevant England players every week, it would be perfect for him.

“With Jose, success always follows him, but it’s not always because he has the best players, it’s because he make you believe you are the best players.

“The confidence and belief he gives you is amazing, and when he is at a club it is his players and staff against the rest of the world. With the quality of players England have, a coach like Jose would surely make them favourites. If the English FA prepare for this, I am sure that Jose could be England coach by 2014 in Brazil.”