• Fans understand Real Madrid manager is 'fighting for them' • 'It's Mourinho's nature to be agitated,' says Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has defended the touchline antics of José Mourinho, who hit the headlines once more after appearing to poke the Barcelona assistant Tito Vilanova in the eye during Real Madrid's Spanish Super Cup defeat.

Many feel such incidents could cost Mourinho any chance of succeeding Ferguson as Manchester United manager when the Scot eventually retires. However, Ferguson is not convinced Mourinho's behaviour is much to get worked up about, saying the Portuguese reminds him of himself.

"I don't find anything wrong with his enthusiasm," Ferguson told the Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport. "When I was younger I showed more enthusiasm on the bench too. I was always gesticulating and directing.

"It's Mourinho's nature to be agitated," added Ferguson, recalling the night Mourinho charged up the touchline at Old Trafford after Porto had knocked United out of the Champions League in 2004.

"When I saw Mourinho run up and down the touchline at Old Trafford when he coached Porto, I said to myself, 'Did I also use to do that?' People recognise his enthusiasm. The fans understand that he's fighting for them and for the squad."