He's just like I was! Ferguson backs Mourinho despite growing concerns in Madrid

Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken out in defence of under-fire Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho.

The Manchester United manager has been in Rome this week delivering a lecture at the Italian capital's university.

Unfamiliar: Jose Mourinho is increasingly unpopular in Spain

And Ferguson defended Mourinho after the allegations of poor sportsmanship and foul play that followed recent clashes with Barcelona.

Controversy: Fans in Spain, like this one with a sign which reads 'glasses against Mou' are growing tired of his antics

He said: 'Jose is a good friend of mine. He doesn't hide his emotions. I like that in human beings.

'The good thing about Jose is that he can laugh at himself. After a game we have a glass of wine, we talk about a million things.

'He is a good man but he is young, maybe in four or five years time he will be more calm.'

Mourinho remains one of the candidates to replace Ferguson when the Scot – who is 70 this Christmas – eventually walks away from Old Trafford.

However, the former Chelsea coach's stock has fallen at United in the wake of his recent behaviour.

Ferguson added: 'I don't find anything wrong with his enthusiasm. When I was younger I showed more enthusiasm on the bench, too - I was always gesticulating and directing.

Not good enough: Barcelona have continued to outclass Manchester United

'It's Mourinho's nature to be agitated. When I saw him run up and down the touchline at Old Trafford when he coached Porto, I said to myself: "Did I also use to do that?" 'People recognise his enthusiasm, the fans understand that he's fighting for them and for the squad.'

Ferguson's team face Bolton when the Barclays Premier League resumes on Saturday.

One of his old adversaries, former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, is currently out of work and it appears Ferguson has little sympathy. Speaking to an Italian newspaper, he said: 'He is jobless. And he is not my friend.'

Announcing himself: As Porto boss Mourinho shot to fame with his celebration at Old Trafford