Inter star Wesley Sneijder has reiterated his belief that current Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho will eventually be the man to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as manager of Manchester United.

The Netherlands international has spoken in the past with his predictions of ‘The Special One’ replacing Fergie when he calls time on his reign at Old Trafford, but the playmaker has now gone further by branding such an outcome a ‘done deal’.

Sneijder won the treble under Mourinho’s management at the San Siro last season and is in no doubt his former mentor wants to return to the Premier League in the future, with United the ideal solution.

''When Ferguson retires, in my mind, it's a deal already done in people's heads,” he told the Daily Star Sunday. “One world-class manager leaves and another one takes over.

''I have had many deep and long conversations with Jose and I would put money on him taking over from Ferguson. I know the job he would want is to be Manchester United manager.

"To be honest, he is probably the only coach in the world who is capable of taking over from Alex Ferguson.

''I know Ferguson will have a big say in who takes over from him - and, even though they have their differences, there is a big mutual respect.''

Ferguson has overseen the most successful period in the United’s history, winning eleven league titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and two Champions Leagues in a 24-year spell in charge.

At 68 though, it is widely anticipated that Fergie will soon step down from his role, with much speculation over who will be handed the opportunity to replace him.

Mourinho has previously spoken of his desire to return to England after completing his ambition of winning the league in Spain to seal the set of Europe’s biggest leagues after titles with Chelsea and Inter in the Premier League and Serie A respectively.

The job as manager of Portugal’s national team is the only other that Mourinho has admitted he would like to fill in the future.

"I know how excited he is to get back to the Premier League,” added Sneijder.

“When he talked about it, he was like a little kid. He was so excited. It really turns him on.''

Mourinho is currently attempting to win La Liga with his new club after two years of domination from Barcelona in Spain.

Real Madrid open their season with a tough away match against Real Mallorca on Sunday night.

Sneijder played in the European Super Cup on Friday night, where Rafael Benitez’s side were beaten 2-0 by Atletico Madrid in Monaco.