The Manchester United manager enjoyed a fierce but respectful rivalry when Mourinho managed the Stamford Bridge outfit.

They have also pitted their wits against each other in the Champions League, while there has even been talk that the Portuguese could take over at Old Trafford when the Scot finally retires.

Mourinho hinted earlier in the week, after seeing his Real Madrid side lose on aggregate to Borussia Dortmund, that a return to Chelsea could be on the cards.

Ferguson said: "I have no idea what Jose is doing, but going back is a big attraction for him. It will get me angry again."

Meanwhile, the former Aberdeen manager could miss the start of next season after undergoing hip surgery at the end of this campaign.

The 71-year-old is booked in for surgery after the club return from their pre-season tour to Thailand, Australia, Japan and Hong Kong at the end of July.

United will face either Manchester City or Wigan in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 11, with the Premier League programme commencing the following weekend.

No timescale is being put on Ferguson's absence, nevertheless it would appear that he faces the prospect of missing both in his recovery.