Alex Ferguson appears to have changed his stance on Jose Mourinho at Manchester United

Finally - a seal of approval from the oracle of Old Trafford.

Alex Ferguson deserves his stature at Manchester United. He's earned his stature in football. We don't need to go into it. But with Jose Mourinho leaving Real Madrid at the same time the Scot retired from the game, it seemed made for the self-appointed 'Special One' to come in and tackle the beast of replacing the irreplaceable. He didn't seem to be even considered. Bobby Charlton hinted that he wasn't a fit for the club, Ferguson often alluded to the money that the Portuguese native spent with his teams, and when he was given the choice of handpicking his successor, he went with David Moyes. The same man that would go on and fail with Real Sociedad. Of course, the same old criticisms are being levelled at the new United coach anyway but they might not be entirely warranted. And Ferguson, for one, is perfectly happy to give his approval to the man who has succeeded the man who succeeded him. In fact, he thinks it's exciting times ahead. Just get ready for a new United Way.

"I think there'll be a massive improvement, I really do," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "I think Jose was wrong to go back to Chelsea. It's always difficult when you go back somewhere for a second time. "Ability, charisma, personality, success he's had... "He's won the European Cup twice with different clubs and won league titles with all the clubs he's been at. You can't ignore his record and I think Manchester United is the right kind of club for him. "I think we'll do well."

Finally, Jose can sleep at night.