Why Jose Mourinho refused to sign the one player Sir Alex Ferguson told him to bring to Man Utd

Jose Mourinho turned down Sir Alex Ferguson's transfer advice during his time in charge of Manchester United.

Mourinho was appointed Man United manager in May 2016 before being relieved of his duties in December 2018

During his spell at Old Trafford, Ferguson gave him one piece of advice.

The Portuguese manager was told to sign Dele Alli, which he refused whilst in charge of Man United.

He did not follow through on the legendary Scot's suggestion, but managed Dele during his managerial stint at Tottenham as he stunned his teammates on his first day of training.

In a clip from Amazon's 'All or Nothing' series, the 61-year-old complains to Spurs chairman Daniel Levy about the star midfielder, who is set to appear on Monday Night Football alongside Jamie Carragher.

"I told already Dele very directly that he doesn't train well, he is not a good trainer," he said.

"I am not saying a disaster, but I am not saying Harry Kane. Harry Kane is a very good trainer."

Mourinho added: "Sir Alex Ferguson gave me only one bit of advice in two and a half years: Buy Dele Alli. 'That guy, with that mentality, the way he plays, the aggression he has in mind. This guy is the Manchester United player. Buy Dele Alli'.

"And he [Ferguson] has an eye for a player. But he [Alli] is not a good trainer, we need to find motivation for the guy."

Dele Alli receives instructions from Jose Mourinho before entering the pitch. Image: Getty

Dele rose to prominence at MK Dons, where he starred in their 4-0 win over Man United in the EFL Cup back in 2014.

He joined Spurs after impressing in League One and shone in the Premier League before falling down the pecking order.

The 28-year-old signed for Everton and went out on loan to Besiktas in a bid to resurrect his career.

He's still on the books at the Goodison Park outfit, having bravely opened up about his mental health struggles.