Jose Mourinho has thrown his hat into the ring to succeed an aging Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm of Manchester United.

The "Special One" admitted the lure of returning to England with the current Premier League champions would be irresistible, though he remains totally focused on trying to end Inter Milan's 54-year European Cup drought.

He said: "I would consider going to Manchester United but United have to consider if they want me to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson. If they do, then of course.

"I like England, where the fans are very passionate and make the game a beautiful occasion with such an incredible atmosphere."

At 67, Ferguson knows he cannot continue indefinitely at Old Trafford, even though he is presently fit and healthy and has no intention of giving up a job he has held for almost 23 years.

Mourinho is considered one of the best qualified men for the role, having just won the Serie A championship at Inter and won back-to-back Premiership titles at Chelsea.

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