London, Mar. 30 : Inter-Milan football team coach Jose Mourinho has said that he would be more than happy to takeover coaching and managerial duties at Manchester United once present incumbent Alex Ferguson decides to call it a day.

Speculation is mounting that Fergie will retire from football at the end of next season if he leads the club to an historic 19th league championship. United would need to clinch this season's Premier League and successfully defend it next year to break Liverpool's title record.

According to The Sun, Mourinho has been linked with succeeding the 67-year-old in the past.

When asked if he and United could be `a marriage' when Fergie finally retires, Mourinho said: "Who can say no? Nobody could say `no'.

"Manchester United belongs to a small group of clubs around the world where nobody can say `no. But I don't believe he is leaving in 2010. I think he will be the same the year after, healthy and happy. I don't see a reason for him to quit and I hope he still goes on," he added.

Former Chelsea coach Mourinho revealed he still enjoys a friendly relationship with the Scot - despite seeing his Serie A side dumped out of the Champions League by Fergie''s Red Devils.

He added: "We both know how to lose and we know how to win.

Mourinho also refused to rule out a future switch to international management - and claimed a move to the United States could be on the cards. (ANI)