Sir Alex Ferguson on Jose Mourinho: His best quotes on rival turned friend

Over the years Ferguson and Mourinho have become close friends

(2013 AFP)

Jose Mourinho is the heavy favourite to become Manchester United manager in the summer.

The biggest job in England is one he has long courted and long been linked with. As early as 2009, the Portuguese was being linked with taking the reins at Old Trafford.

For different reasons, the former Chelsea manager never got his chance. But after David Moyes and Louis van Gaal have failed so badly to keep United competitive after the retirement of managerial great Sir Alex Ferguson, Mourinho may now finally get his chance.

One constant factor down the years has been Mourinho's relationship with Fergie.

In the beginning, the two were heated rivals, constantly sniping at each other, despite obvious mutual respect.

As time went past their friendship became more into the public eye.

Ferguson is seen by some as a key cog in Mourinho's potential hiring in the summer.

Here are 13 of the Scot's best quotes on his Portuguese rival down the years.

Bromance.