English club, Manchester United, have as widely expected, announced the official signing of Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho, on a three year deal.
It's official! Mourinho joins Man United on 3-year deal
The announcement lays to rest days of speculation that the two-time Chelsea coach would be signed as a replacement to Dutchman Louis Van Gaal who was axed by the club after winning the FA Cup a week ago.
It's official! #WelcomeJose pic.twitter.com/6QK3ZbVKae— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 27, 2016
The statement read in parts that; ‘‘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
The statement quotes the club’s Chief Executive Ed Woodward as saying, ‘‘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.”
On his part, the former Porto, Real Madrid and Inter Milan manager 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.
“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.”
José, 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. His trophy haul since 2003 is 22 and he would be hoping to add more with the Old Trafford faithful.
His last job ended abruptly after Chelsea were forced to sack him after a string of poor results and performances that nearly sent the club into relegation. He was replaced by Guus Hiddink who managed to steer the London club away from relegation spot.