• Inter coach would return to England 'if United want me' • 'I like England ... the fans make the game a beautiful occasion'

Jose Mourinho would jump at the chance of managing Manchester United should the Old Trafford hierarchy decide he is the man to replace Sir Alex Ferguson.

At 67, Ferguson knows he cannot continue indefinitely, even though he currently has no intention of giving up a job he has held for almost 23 years. Mourinho's name has been mentioned frequently as a successor since his exit from Chelsea, and he has now admitted the lure of returning to England would be hard to resist.

"I would consider going to Manchester United but United have to consider if they want me to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson," the Internazionale manager told the Daily Mirror. "If they do, then of course.

"I like England, where the fans are very passionate and make the game a beautiful occasion with such an incredible atmosphere."

Mourinho also added a barb at Chelsea, who are now on to their fourth manager since his departure, and have failed to recapture the title, while the man who guided Chelsea to back-to-back championships has now won Serie A with Inter.

"I had many conversations before Chelsea and I decided on a divorce," he said. "It was difficult for me because we loved each other but the relationship went in one direction and it was best for everyone. Since I left I became champion again but they have not been champions again. I keep on winning and they don't."