Official: Sir Alex Ferguson is jealous of Mourinho's hair

We all know about the relationship between Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho (although Manchester United's press briefings would have you believe that the former rated David Moyes the better manager!). But I bet you didn't know that the United legend is quite so jealous of the Special One's hair:

It is unfair really. He’s good looking, he’s got that sort of George Clooney bit in his hair now. But I think he is a great example, he can speak five languages or whatever he can. He goes and becomes an interpreter for Bobby Robson, follows him to Barcelona, works under Louis Van Gaal; he is learning all the time. He (Mourinho) has got a determination, he wants to be a coach.

He never played the game, by the way – you tell me how many presidents would give a manager a job who has never played the game? None. But he has done it.Then he goes and manages a small team in Portugal, then goes to Porto and wins the league, wins the UEFA Cup, wins the European Cup, goes to Chelsea and wins the league. Goes to Inter Milan. That is an example to anyone who wants to do well, you shouldn’t let the barriers get in your way if you want to get there.

Source: Mail.

The big takeaway from this interview, then, is that Sir Alex Ferguson thinks Mourinho is sexy. Ok, I suppose this wasn't entirely about hair -- it's a mark of respect from the best manager of a generation towards one of the major contenders for his mantle. It's also an important lesson.

Mourinho had to fight tooth and claw to get where he is. Despite his reputation as a manager of rich clubs alone, very little was given to him, and he won European Cups with two extremely unlikely clubs. His career wasn't handed to him on a plate, but the result of overcoming some very significant barriers. And despite the occasional crankiness, that makes him a very worthy role model.