Jose Mourinho has finally been confirmed as Manchester United manager.
Louis van Gaal’s turbulent two-year reign was brought to an end on Monday as FA Cup glory was unable to mask poor Premier League performances in terms of style and substance.
United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes began talks the following day, although it took until Friday for official confirmation as the terms of the contract were ironed out.
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
The former Chelsea manager has signed a three-year deal at Old Trafford, with an option to stay at the club until at least 2020.
“To become Manchester United manager is a special honour in the game,” Mourinho said.
“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.”
Mourinho’s immediate task is to revive United’s ailing fortunes, having finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on Champions League qualification.
The Red Devils will instead take part in the Europa League next term, but Woodward is confident things will improve under the Portuguese.
It's official! #WelcomeJose pic.twitter.com/6QK3ZbVKae
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 27, 2016
“Jose is quite simply the best manager in the game today,” the executive vice chairman said.
“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.”
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes any fans worried by his arrival of as manager only need to look at the Portuguese’s success elsewhere.
Ferdinand passed on his congratulations to Mourinho in a message on his Facebook page and is confident he can flourish at Old Trafford, especially after his acrimonious exit from Chelsea in December last year.
Ferdinand wrote: “Congratulations to Jose on being announced manager of the biggest club in the world!
“This is Jose Mourinho’s most exciting & most challenging job yet.
“One thing I can tell Manchester United fans is that they have got themselves a true winner in all aspects. His CV shows success!
Being first is in his blood.
— adidasfootball (@adidasfootball) May 27, 2016
Jose Mourinho: Welcome to @ManUtd.#FirstNeverFollows pic.twitter.com/8Fcp3of88H
“After his recent unsuccessful time at Chelsea in the final year, I can assure you this winner is now a wounded animal which makes him such a mouthwatering appointment. Jose went from winning the League cup & Premier League to a season of disappointment at Chelsea and I am certain he will want to restore all of that very quickly.”
Ferdinand, who made 455 appearances in all competitions between 2002 and 2014 for United, also outlined what Mourinho should prioritise if he is to thrive.
He said: “The first thing he needs to do is install ‘winning mentality’ back into the club. Get this ingredient back into the players but also the people that work inside the club day to day. Give them back that belief so it is breathing throughout the club again, which is so important. But doing the above in the Manchester United way is equally as important.”
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