Rio Ferdinand could join José Mourinho's coaching team

According to a report from the Daily Mirror's football head honcho John Cross, José Mourinho would like to bring former Manchester United centre-half Rio Ferdinand back to Old Trafford in a coaching capacity. The 37-year-old has been out of the game since retiring after a short stint at Queens Park Rangers last year, and this certainly seems like a nice way for him to kickstart a coaching career. Per the Mirror:

Newly-appointed Mourinho believes Ferdinand has outstanding qualities to be part of his inner sanctum at Old Trafford and he has already made discreet enquiries about his availability.

The former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss has been impressed with ex-Reds centre-half Ferdinand's manner and approach with young players, and believes his links with the club he served as a player from 2002-14 could make him a perfect choice.

That certainly makes it sound like Ferdinand's personality rather than coaching ability is what has attracted Mourinho. But there are few better managers under whom Rio could learn the tricks of the trade, and if he fancies a move into coaching in the long term, it would surely be an excellent move for both parties. There's also the fact that Ferdinand is United through-and-through, which, though not absolutely necessary, is always a bonus.

There are a couple of short interviews on YouTube that Ferdinand has previously conducted with Mourinho; and though it's easy to be wise after the event, they certainly seem to get on well with each other: