London: Manchester United today anointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager to launch a third bid in less than three years to transform the Red Devils into a title-winning force again.
After three days of talks, Mourinho agreed a three-year contract on a bumper salary reportedly worth more than USD 20 million a year. But the 53-year-old Portuguese supercoach said it was the “mystique” of United that drew him to the challenge. United, one the world’s biggest football clubs, need reviving after first David Moyes and then Louis van Gaal failed to emulate the glory years of Alex Ferguson.
“To become Manchester United manager is a special honour in the game,” Mourinho said in a club statement. “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 seemed destined to manage United ever since his Porto side eliminated Ferguson’s men from the 2004 Champions League. Porto went on to win the title.
He thought his time had come when Ferguson retired in 2013, but concerns over his volatile personality prompted United to turn to the more reserved Moyes instead. But with that move proving a disaster and Van Gaal faring little better, United’s powerbrokers have decided to take a chance on Mourinho, despite his turbulent reputation.
Media reports said Mourinho will earn up to USD 21 million a year.
“Jose is quite simply the best manager in the game today,” said United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.
“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.”
