Sir Alex Ferguson predicts more Chelsea success for Jose Mourinho as Manchester United legend presents Barclays Manager of the Season award to absent Blues boss

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Jose Mourinho was unable to collect his Barclays Manager of the Season award in person on Tuesday night - but that didn't stop Sir Alex Ferguson lavishing praise on the Chelsea manager.

Mourinho couldn't attend the League Managers Association awards at Old Billingsgate due to a clash with Chelsea's Player of the Year awards.

The Portuguese accepted his award - which he got his hands on last Friday at Chelsea's Cobham training ground - via a video speech.

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho holds the Premier League trophy during the club's parade on Monday

Mourinho was unable to attend the LMA awards on Tuesday due to a clash with Chelsea's own awards bash

Eden Hazard (centre) poses with his team-mates as he collects Chelsea's Player of the Year award

John Terry and Mourinho posed with the Premier League trophy previously after being crowned champions

But despite the former Real Madrid manager's absence, Ferguson was still on hand to present Mourinho as the winner and speak about this achievements this term.

The ex-Manchester United boss said: 'He's a successful man, a winner. He deserves the award. I thought he had the best squad. John Terry played every game.

'Champions will always be the ones to beat. Jose knows his squad well. He's settled. It's going to be a very successful few years for Chelsea.' 

Mourinho led the Blues to their fourth Premier League title at the start of the month, finishing eight points ahead of second placed Manchester City. 

In his pre-recorded video, Mourinho said: 'I'm happy and proud. Enjoy your evening and have a good holiday if you can. See you in August.'

Sir Alex Ferguson and Mourinho share a mutual respect and have had memorable battles through the years

The former Manchester United boss believes Chelsea are in for a successful few years