Share

United confirm Mourinho signing

Manchester - Manchester United on Friday officially named Jose Mourinho as their new manager in place of the sacked Louis van Gaal.

WATCH: Mourinho's first interview as Man United manager

The club said in a statement that the 53-year-old Portuguese coach had signed a three year contract with an option to stay 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."

Media reports said Mourinho will earn up to £15 million a year and will have a £200 million fund to buy players for United who failed to qualify for the Champions League with their fifth place finish in the Premier League.

"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."

Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea in December but has established a reputation as one of the best coaches of all time.

He has won league titles and cups in four countries with Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. He won the Champions League in 2004 with FC Porto and in 2010 with Inter Milan.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1183 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1371 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2091 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE