Manchester United finished sixth under Mourinho – their second-worst Premier League finish of all time.
However, despite their domestic difficulties, they remain in the hunt for Champions League football.
A win over Ajax in the Europa League final on Wednesday will see them make the cut after missing out this season.
That, coupled with February’s EFL Cup triumph over Southampton, would mean Mourinho could just about get away with labelling the campaign a success.
United remain stuck in a rut following Ferguson’s retirement four years ago, with David Moyes and Louis van Gaal both failing to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.
But the legendary Scot has praised Mourinho, insisting they communicate and stating his desire to see the Portuguese deliver silverware down the line.
“He’s a very talented manager, no question,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think United have done really well. I think with the draws, they’ve played really well in a lot of those draws.
“If even six of those draws turned to wins, that’s 12 points, and they’d have been up there.
“Hopefully we can start winning things, because I’m sure that’s what (Jose) wants.
“We do still chat, as I did with Louis van Gaal and with David Moyes. United directors in my time were always very supportive of me, and I hope that continues for them.”
