Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho enjoys the backing of David Gill at Manchester United.

The People says United's hierarchy feel manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be looking to stand aside in the next two years.

Gill and Ferguson will decide the Scot's successor, with France coach Laurent Blanc and Mourinho high in their thinking.

Mourinho is seen by Gill as a brilliant, charismatic man-manager but with the sort of hot temper that could lead to a bumpier ride than United would like.