Jose Mourinho wants Rio Ferdinand as potential replacement for Ryan Giggs

Jose Mourinho reportedly wants a Manchester United legend to join his coaching staff.

Rui Faria and Silvino Louro, long time assistants of Mourinho, are set to join him at Old Trafford, but the Portuguese also wants an ex United player on his staff ,who possesses intimate knowledge of Old Trafford. According to The Daily Mail, Mourinho is hoping that Rio Ferdinand, who spent 12 years at Old Trafford, will join him should Ryan Giggs leave the club this summer. [caption id="attachment_80364" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image via Rio Ferdinand's Facebook page.[/caption] United are set to hold talks with Giggs this week over his future. The 42 year old was part of David Moyes' coaching staff, and worked as Louis van Gaal's assistant, but doubts remain about whether he'll wish to continue as an understudy at this stage of his career. Ferdinand is currently working as a pundit, and is taking his coaching badges. The Daily Mail reports that a potential stumbling block to the move may be the former defender's reluctance to uproot his young family from their London home. However, there's no doubt Rio has a lot of respect for Mourinho. Following the 53 year old's appointment last week, Ferdinand posted a ringing endorsement of the former Chelsea manager on his Facebook page, writing:

After his recent unsuccessful time at Chelsea in the final year, I can assure you this winner is now a wounded animal which makes him such a mouthwatering appointment. Jose went from winning the League cup & Premier League to a season of disappointment at Chelsea and I am certain he will want to restore all of that very quickly "Mourinho's huge personality is made for this great club, it's what he has been waiting for. Wishing him all the best!"

  Either way, Manchester United is set to undergo some big changes this summer?   What do you think of a Rio return to Manchester United? Let us know at hello@JOE.co.uk, or drop us a message on Facebook.