Mourinho's United are currently fifth in the table after 27 league matches of his debut season in charge, and they trail leaders Chelsea by 17 points after drawing 10 of their top-flight games.

Ferguson, who won 13 Premier League titles at United, told SiriusXM FC in quotes reported by the Daily Telegraph: "I get on well with Jose and think he's doing a really good job.

"He's been a bit unlucky actually because there are home games this season they've been absolutely brilliant in but have drawn them.

"If they'd got those wins they deserved they'd be challenging for the league, there's no doubt about that."

Mourinho has already led his side to silverware this season, securing a 3-2 win over Southampton in the EFL Cup last month.

Ferguson added: "Winning a trophy at United is the most important thing," he said. "That's what the club's history is about -- winning trophies.

"I looked upon the League Cup as the manager [Mourinho] does: this is an important trophy. I was fortunate to win it four times. It doesn't matter what the trophy is, if you get to a final you want to win it."

United are next in action when they host eighth-placed West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.