The United boss spared a thought for Grant in the wake of United's penalty shoot-out victory over Chelsea in the Champions League final.

And while he did not name names he pointed the finger at players whose loyalties might still lie with back-to-back league title-winner Mourinho rather than Grant.

Ferguson said: "When he (Grant) came to Chelsea from Portsmouth it was to help Jose Mourinho. He was then thrust into a job at a difficult time.

"When a manager who has had big success leaves a club he takes loyalties with him. That's not easy (for the next manager)."

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba continually has been rumoured to want to link up again with Mourinho when he secures his next job in football.

And Grant had to overcome the close ties other players such as Ricardo Carvalho had with the Portuguese manager when he departed Stamford Bridge last September.

Grant, whose job is thought to be precarious, was making no excuses, however, for a season in which Chelsea have come runners-up in the Carling Cup, the Premier League and now the Champions League.

He said: "It was a terrific season. In the league we made a very good recovery, it was close. And it was the first time Chelsea were in the Champions League final. We did a good job this year. Everybody in Chelsea can be optimistic."

Grant also refused to blame Nicolas Anelka for the penalty which United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar saved to win the match.

He said: "Anelka has been good for us when we needed him. In penalties unfortunately it can happen.

"It will take a long time to get it out of the system. One penalty can make a difference to the happiness, but I am proud with the way we played the match."

Ferguson was equally protective of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was in tears at the final whistle after missing a penalty in the shoot-out.

"I thought he was fantastic," said Ferguson. "When he had the ball you always thought something was going to happen for us."

The United boss also believed the final, with all its drama and excitement, was a fine advertisement for the Premier League.

He said: "The improvement of the Premier League is very noticeable. I've watched many finals in the past and some aren't very good because of the pressure. But this was pretty open."