Manchester United legend Bobby Charlton has delivered a surprise blow to Jose Mourinho's hopes of succeeding Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
Mourinho has been linked with the daunting task of replacing Ferguson when the legendary Scot eventually retires and the United manager appeared to give his blessing to the Real Madrid chief recently when he said he "could manage anywhere, absolutely".
But Charlton, a director and ambassador at United who played a key role in Ferguson's appointment in 1986, has been unimpressed by the out-spoken Mourinho's antics during his spells in charge at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real.
One of the most controversial incidents involving Mourinho saw the Portuguese coach gouge the eye of Tito Vilanova, then Barcelona's assistant coach, in the 2011 Spanish Super Cup following a touchline row.
Asked about that clash, Charlton told the Guardian: "A United manager wouldn't do that. Mourinho is a really good coach but that's as far as I would go really.
"He's the manager of Real Madrid and we expect to play them in the Champions League by the end of the season."
When it was suggested a United manager would not get away with the kind of behaviour Mourinho sometimes indulges in, Charlton added: "You are right. He pontificates too much for my liking. He's a good manager, though."
Source: AFP
