Jose Mourinho signs three year Old Trafford deal
Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be his first signing
Ryan Giggs’ future remains unknown
Manchester United today confirmed the appointment for Jose Mourinho as their manager following the sacking of Louis Van Gaal four days ago.
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Mourinho, 53, who has won 22 trophies since 2003, signed a three year deal at Old Trafford with the option of an extra year.
The news came after a delay due to negotiations over image rights after a week of mounting speculation over the Portuguese who was sacked from his second spell at Chelsea midway through last season.
United’s executive Vice Chairman, Ed Woodward, said:
“Jose 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.”
And Mourinho, who has won league titles and cups in Portugal, England, Italy, and Spain, 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.”
Mourinho’s first signing could be one of his most loyal players – the 34-year old Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who played for the charismatic Portuguese during his time at Inter Milan – announced he was leaving Paris St Germain this summer and was coy when asked if United was his destination.
The fate of Van Gaal’s assistant manager, and United’s most decorated player, Ryan Giggs, remains up in the air.
Giggs has a year left on his Old Trafford deal but is understood to be unwilling to accept in a reduction in role if, as expected, Mourinho brings in his own staff.
Mourinho’s first stint in the Old Trafford dugout will be on Sunday, June 5 when he will be the England manager against Claudio Ranieri’s Rest of the World team for Soccer Aid 2016.