Jose Mourinho’s determination to ensure Sir Alex Ferguson’s presence is still felt around Manchester United has been laid bare, with fresh details emerging about the extent to which he has gone to involve the club’s former manager.

United have endured a tough transition since Ferguson retired in May 2013 after 26½ years at the helm, during which he won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues and numerous other trophies.

Ferguson enjoyed good relations with David Moyes, his successor, and Louis van Gaal, but he cast a large shadow over both men at Old Trafford.

Moyes consulted Ferguson regularly for advice but was sacked after just 10 calamitous months in charge and Van Gaal’s two-season reign, when the drab brand of football was routinely criticised, drew unfavourable comparisons with Ferguson’s attacking ethos.

But Mourinho, who has overcome a difficult start to win the past eight matches during an unbeaten 14-match streak when he has won praise for dramatically improving the team’s style of play, believes it is important Ferguson and the club’s past are embraced.