Sam Allardyce is the right choice for the England boss... but he needs support, says Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho has backed the FA’s decision to install Sam Allardyce as the new England manager, and promised to support him by always making Manchester United’s stars available for international duty.

Mourinho claimed that Allardyce deserves a top job and is an ideal candidate to succeed Roy Hodgson in what has proved to be a poisoned chalice for a succession of England coaches.


Sir Alex Ferguson did not always enjoy the best of relationships with national team managers during his time in charge at Old Trafford, and faced accusations that he encouraged players to pull out of international games on certain occasions.

Jose Mourinho believes Sam Allardyce deserves a top job and is an ideal candidate to succeed Roy Hodgson

Jose Mourinho believes Sam Allardyce deserves a top job and is an ideal candidate to succeed Roy Hodgson

Mourinho was full of praise of the incoming England manager and he will not make life complicated for him

Mourinho was full of praise of the incoming England manager and he will not make life complicated for him

Mourinho has shared the touchline with Allardyce on many occasions and feels he is now ready for England

Mourinho has shared the touchline with Allardyce on many occasions and feels he is now ready for England

But Mourinho offered Big Sam his full support as he welcomed the decision to appoint the Sunderland manager.

‘Well it’s your country and I think you are a complicated country for the person who gets the job,’ said Mourinho. ‘I think he is the right person for that, I think he’s a good choice but I think he needs support and I think you can do better in respect to that.

‘Because my experience in your country shows me that in the football world you could do a bit better. I think Sam never had the big chance at the highest level – lots of experiences in the Premier League but never that big one and now he has the big one.

‘So I think he’s more than ready. He’s a good motivator, he can create a good team spirit with his players and I wish him the best from my side – not just as a friend but my side as the Manchester United manager.

‘The only thing I can promise is I am going to try and support him the best way, preparing the players for him, always trying to have the English players always available and in good conditions to help him. 

'I hope you can do the same because it’s your time. In Portugal we were waiting and waiting, and finally we got it. Now I think it is time for you because 1966 was a long time ago, so good luck Big Sam.’ 

Mourinho says Big Sam is the 'right choice' as the new England boss he will always be an option on the phone

Mourinho says Big Sam is the 'right choice' as the new England boss he will always be an option on the phone

England have not always had the best relationship with United, especially during the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson

England have not always had the best relationship with United, especially during the reign of Sir Alex Ferguson