Jose Mourinho “was and is the best coach in the world” and will turn things around at Manchester United, Maniche has told Goal.
The Red Devils boss finds himself falling under every-increasing pressure, with a turbulent opening to the 2018-19 campaign forcing him to fend off uncomfortable questions.
It has been suggested that the Portuguese is on borrowed time, with talk of former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane taking his place in Manchester refusing to go away.
A four-game winless run has left Mourinho clinging to his job, with priceless points dropped in the Premier League and Champions League while enduring a humbling Carabao Cup defeat to Derby.
United desperately need to find a way of turning tide, while ending reports of in-house squabbles which are threatening to tear them apart, and Maniche believes they have the best man at the helm to see them through a testing period.
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The former Portugal international, who played under Mourinho at Porto and Chelsea, told Goal: “Mourinho was one of the best coaches that I had in my career. He was and is the best coach in the world.
“The situation at Manchester United is not easy but if there is a coach who can get through complicated times, this coach is Jose Mourinho.”
This is not the first time that a proven coach at the very highest level has faced accusations of losing his touch.
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Mourinho has often been able to silence his critics with major silverware, with his trophy haul among the best in the business.
He has, however, seen two spells at Chelsea brought to a premature conclusion after hitting troubled waters, and an unwanted hat-trick in English football could be on the cards.
United’s next opportunity to get back on track, and their last outing before the October international break, is set to see them welcome Newcastle to Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Red Devils have collected just one victory on home soil this season – on the opening weekend against Leicester – with a disgruntled fan base having faced further frustration in midweek after seeing Mourinho’s men held to a goalless draw by Valencia in European competition.
A morale-boosting triumph over the Magpies is considered to be essential as a hectic schedule once international outings are out of the way is set to pitch United into combat with Chelsea, Juventus, Everton, Bournemouth and Manchester City.