The ex-Chelsea coach has ruled out taking over when his 71-year-old counterpart decides to depart Old Trafford, but will manage in England after he leaves the Spanish giants

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has jokingly ruled out the possibility of replacing Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United’s next manager.

The ex-Inter boss has been heavily linked with replacing the 71-year-old when he finally decides to call time on his tenure in charge at Old Trafford.

However, Mourinho, 50, has insisted he will not be replacing his managerial counterpart, telling reporters: “No because we have to end our career at the same time. He at 90, me at 70.”

Goal.com exclusively revealed the ex-Chelsea tactician is unlikely too replace Ferguson with a number of senior figures in the Red Devils’ boardroom harbouring concerns that he could prove to be too high maintenance.

Mourinho also revealed that his next managerial job when he departs Real Madrid will be to return to coach in England, where he has previously enjoyed a hugely successful spell in charge of Chelsea, adding: “The Premier League will be my next step”

He has been linked with a return to the Blues with Rafael Benitez thought to be unlikely to remain at the club beyond the summer, as well as current Premier League champions Manchester City.