MANCHESTER UNITED have announced Jose Mourinho as their new manager — and
hailed him as the best manager in the world.
Mourinho has signed a three-year-deal to succeed Louis van Gaal in charge at
Old Trafford, charged with returning the club to the pinnacle of English and
European football.
And executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is convinced in snapping up the former Chelsea
and Real Madrid boss, United
now have the best manager in world football.
Woodward said: “José is quite simply the best manager in the game today. He
has won trophies and inspired players in countries across Europe and, of
course, he knows the Premier League very well, having won three titles here.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome him to Manchester United. His
track record of success is ideal to take the club forward.”
Woodward’s claim is sure to stir a reaction across the Premier League where
the game’s biggest sides all believe they have the best man in charge.
Chelsea have just appointed Antonio Conte, while Liverpool
believe they have the best in Jurgen Klopp and Manchester
City have themselves gone big by appointing Pep Guardiola.
Mourinho has long coveted the United job and was frustrated when he missed out
on succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson in charge when he retired.
But he is understood to be excited about finally getting the opportunity to
work at Old Trafford, and launched
his own Instagram page to publish a picture of his contract with the
Reds.
He said: “To become Manchester United manager is a special honour in the game.
It is a club known and admired throughout the world.
“There is a mystique and a romance about it which no other club can match.
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“I have always felt an affinity with Old Trafford; it has hosted some
important memories for me in my career and I have always enjoyed a rapport
with the United fans.
“I’m looking forward to being their manager and enjoying their magnificent
support in the coming years.”
Mourinho, 53, has managed at the top level of European football for over a
decade and in that time has won league titles and cups in four countries
(Portugal, England, Italy and Spain), as well as winning the UEFA Champions
League twice – in 2004 with FC Porto and in 2010 with Inter Milan.
He will now set about rebuilding the United squad which has fallen from grace
since the retirement of Ferguson three years ago.
The first big signing is expected to be Zlatan Ibramhimovic, who Mourinho
forged a close relationship with during his time working in Italy with
Inter.
Ibrahimovic is a free agent after finishing his contract with Paris
Saint-Germain and has
admitted he has a firm offer from a Premier League club, with United
understood to be in the box seat to clinch his signature.
Also in his sights is Everton
defender John Stones, who the Special One tried to sign last summer when he
was still in charge at Stamford Bridge.
But he faces
a battle with local rivals City, where Guardiola is also said to be keen
to sign the England defender who has endured a difficult campaign at
Goodison Park.