BETTER THE RED DEVIL I KNOW

Jose backing his pal Jim to be success at Old Trafford

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JOSE MOURINHO believes Manchester United are back on the right path under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The former United boss was sacked from Old Trafford but looks back with pride on his two-and-a-half years in charge.

Mourinho praised former United executives Ed Woodward and Richard Arnold as individuals but said they both lacked football experience and the structure at the club was broken.

'The Special One' says he knows British billionaire Ratcliffe on a personal level and is convinced he will turn things around.

Ratcliffe is trying to shake things up and looks set to bring in Dan Ashworth (inset) from Newcastle as sporting director.

Mourinho, talking to Rio Ferdinand's VIBE with FIVE podcast, said: "I know Jim Ratcliffe well, I know him very, very well.

"We had good relations from years ago. I have a very good feeling.

"He's also a sportsman, he loves it, which is a very important thing, and comes with experience from other experiences from other sports, cycling. I have a good feeling that things can go in the right direction and I hope so. I really hope so.

"When I left the club, five years ago, for sure lots of things changed.