Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson had secret reason for refusing to help Jose Mourinho out

Manchester United icon Ferguson has watched Van Gaal and Mourinho join David Moyes on the Old Trafford scrapheap in the years since his retirement in 2013.

The Red Devils have missed their legendary manager but have reverted to type by naming Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as boss until the end of the season.

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Manchester United hope that Solskjaer can lift the mood around the club in the wake of the managerial nightmares of both Van Gaal and Mourinho.

Both men won trophies during their time at Old Trafford.

But neither was able to land the Premier League title – the holy grail in the eyes of many supporters.

And ESPN claim Ferguson has maintained his distance from club affairs in recent years out of fear of being seen to be interfering.

In 2013, it was he who handpicked Moyes as his heir.

But the Scot lasted just 10 months at United and, ironically, his current contract still has months to run.

Ferguson allowed the appointments of Mourinho and Van Gaal because he wanted both managers to be given the ultimate power.

Sir Alex Ferguson praised by Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

“In a sense it is strange being in Sir Alex’s role,” Solskjaer told Sky Sports.

“Because when you go into the corridor and knock on his door, he’s in the chair.

“Now, I’m in it. Whenever he’s visiting us, he’ll be sitting in that chair I reckon because you never think differently about the boss.

“He’s what I’ve always had as my boss and he’s the one you look up to and once in a while ask a question or for advice.”

But, behind the scenes, ESPN say he is now back in action.

Ferguson has been spotted at Old Trafford in the wake of Solskjaer’s appointment.

And that is great news for all involved in the club – particularly given the fact he has only recently recovered from a brain haemorrhage.

Solskjaer, meanwhile, has lauded Ferguson.

“In a sense it is strange being in Sir Alex’s role, because when you go into the corridor and knock on his door, he’s in the chair,” he told Sky Sports.

“Now, I’m in it.

“Whenever he’s visiting us, he’ll be sitting in that chair I reckon because you never think differently about the boss.

“He’s what I’ve always had as my boss and he’s the one you look up to and once in a while ask a question or for advice.”

Ferguson is expected to be in attendance for United’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth today (4pm).

The Red Devils are aiming for a third successive win under Solskjaer after recent thumpings of Cardiff and Huddersfield.