Sir Alex Ferguson says he would be disappointed to see his
sparring partner Jose Mourinho leave Chelsea at the end of the
season.
Reports in the English and Spanish media on Friday claimed that
Mourinho has informed his close friends that he will quit Stamford
Bridge in May after a series of disagreements with his Chelsea
paymasters over transfer policy.
However the club have so far refused to comment on suggestions that
the Blues board's refusal to release funds for a new defender and
striker in January has caused the controversial Portuguese
tactician to consider his future in London.
Mourinho has also declined to comment on the growing speculation
that he could be in line for a switch to Internazionale or Real
Madrid come May, and Ferguson for one would mourn the departure of
the man who has secured back-to-back Premiership titles during his
two years in charge of Chelsea.
The two managers are currently slugging it out for this season's
crown, but the Manchester United boss has always enjoyed a healthy,
if unashamedly competitive, relationship with the 2004 UEFA
Champions League winner.
"I would be disappointed in that [Mourinho leaving]," said
Ferguson.
"I have enjoyed his company in the times we meet after the game and
things like that.
"He has a good personality. I enjoy the competition against
him."
Moreover, Ferguson has poured scorn on suggestions that Mourinho
has informed his friends of his decision to quit Stamford Bridge at
the end of the season.
"Why would Jose be telling anyone his plans?" the Manchester United
boss continued.
"I certainly would not be telling anyone my plans. All of a sudden
people seem to know what his plans are.
"I take that with a pinch of salt. The important thing is to make
sure I am still manager of our club come May."
