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Alex Ferguson backs under-fire Jose Mourinho for Chelsea resurgence

Ex-Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson backs Jose Mourinho to find the "solution" needed to ease Chelsea's early-season woes.

Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed under-fire Jose Mourinho to reverse the damage of Chelsea's early-season woes.

The Portuguese has come in for criticism in recent weeks as the Premier League champions sit 16th in the table, with eight points from a possible 24 in what has proven an underwhelming defence of their title thus far.

Mourinho warned owner Roman Abramovich that he would be sacking the Blues' 'best-ever manager' if he went down that route following last week's 3-1 home defeat by Southampton.

However, Ferguson, who won 13 league titles with the Red Devils before retiring in 2013, is certain that, with support, the 52-year-old will find the "solution".

"I think that Jose's press conference the other day was challenging the owner to support him in a bad time," the Scot told American show Morning Joe. "At times you maybe don't think you're getting complete support from everyone, but it happens. It's not always correct, and I don't think it's correct what Jose's thinking at the moment - I think he's got the support.

"He will find a solution. It may take a few weeks, but you've got to remember, he's lost his goalkeeper [Thibaut] Courtois, who's a fantastic goalkeeper. John Terry is in a little difficulty adjusting to his last season maybe, who knows - he played every game last season, the best central defender they've ever had - and he's in a difficult time.

"So if the spine of your team is not what it normally is, do you expect to get consistent results? I don't think so."

The West Londoners sit 10 points behind top-of-the-table Manchester City.

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Jose Mourinho Manager of Chelsea shows his frustration after conceding the third goal to Southampton during the Barclays Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 3, 2015 in London, United Kingdom.
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