Ferguson backs Mourinho silence

Mourinho and Ferguson have clashed several times

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho's decision to become less high-profile this season.

Mourinho says he will keep out of trouble after landing himself in hot water for his outspoken comments.

Ferguson said: "It's probably a good thing, because he was getting himself into all sorts of difficulties.

"He's obviously not relished the bad publicity. He has obviously learned his lesson a little bit. Everybody does."

I do like Jose. He came over and brought a bit of colour Sir Alex Ferguson

Mourinho was constantly in the headlines last season as his injury-hit Chelsea side tried to win four trophies.

He says he now wants to change the public's perception of him by taking a more laid-back approach this term.

"I want to be more mellow this year," said Mourinho. "I am what I am but, at the same time, people use my personality to create something that is not true.

"It is normal if I am emotional or if I react to something that is not fair. But people have an image of me that's incorrect and now I want it to be different."

Ferguson believes Mourinho has realised he needs to change because people are not fooled by his actions any more.

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"I think he's realised that everything he tries is just for a reason and to suit himself," added Ferguson.

"Maybe he has realised that everyone has cottoned on to that, and that it doesn't have the same impact. They're not stupid.

"I do like Jose. He came over and brought a bit of colour.

"He did really well on the publicity side in his first year because he was brash, young and making all his comments - and he endeared himself to a lot of people."