Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Chelsea to regain their usual elite form under Jose Mourinho after a dismal start to the Premier League season.

Chelsea are 16th in the table after earning just eight points from as many games and suffering four defeats -- one more than they lost during their entire title-winning campaign last season.

Ferguson, the legendary Manchester United manager who is in the United States promoting his new book "Leading," told ESPN FC that he was as surprised as anyone by Chelsea's lacklustre start.

"For Jose, it's probably the first time it's come up, a situation whereby his team is now fifth-bottom of the week. Unbelievable," Ferguson said.

"Everyone, including myself, are thinking they were going to be difficult to beat. But great managers find solutions."

Jose Mourinho will find a solution to Chelsea's troubles, says Sir Alex Ferguson. Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Ferguson also said Mourinho had a clear plan in his bombastic interview following Chelsea's most recent 3-1 defeat to Southampton, in which he spoke uninterrupted for over seven minutes and said he should stay on as manager.

"I think that Jose's press conference the other day was challenging the owner to support him in a bad time," Ferguson said.

"At times you maybe don't think you're getting complete support from everyone, but it happens. It's not always correct, and I don't think it's correct what Jose's thinking at the moment -- I think he's got the support.

"He will find a solution. It may take a few weeks, but you've got to remember, he's lost his goalkeeper [Thibaut] Courtois, who's a fantastic goalkeeper.