Jose Mourinho was Friday officially confirmed as Manchester United manager and has signed a three-year contract.
He replaces Dutchman Louis van Gaal, who was dismissed on Monday; two days after the club’s FA Cup win.
The Old Trafford outfit released a statement on its official website, which reads: “José Mourinho will take over as manager of Manchester United from the 2016/17 season, signing a three-year contract with an option to stay at the club until at least 2020.”
We are delighted to announce Jose Mourinho is our new manager! Full statement: https://t.co/PDiHMIWnpd #WelcomeJose pic.twitter.com/eZ8NBSz2up
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 27, 2016
United’s Executive Director, Ed Woodward, welcomed Mourinho during the announcement.
“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” said Woodward.
“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.”
The 53-year-old Portuguese could not hide his excitement after fufiling long-time desire to coach the biggest team in England.
“To become Manchester United manager is a special honour in the game,” said Mourinho
“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.
“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.”
The Portuguese’s appointment followed three days of talks between his agent, Jorge Mendes, and senior United officials.
He has already been linked with a move for Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who played for him at Inter Milan.
Ibrahimovic, who has decided to leave Paris St-Germain, told reporters on Thursday that Mourinho “is the man” to bring United “back to the top”.
Talks, which started on Tuesday and were delayed by negotiations over Mourinho’s image rights, finally concluded on Thursday.
As well as his three Premier Leagues, Mourinho has led Real Madrid to the Spanish title in 2012, and guided Porto and Inter Milan to Champions League victories in 2004 and 2010 respectively.
However, he left the Blues in turmoil only seven months after winning the Premier League title, with the club 16th in the league, just one point above the relegation zone, having accused some players of “betraying” his work.
