“To become Manchester United manager is a special honour in the game”, he added.
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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes any fans anxious by the imminent arrival of Jose Mourinho as manager only need to look at the Portuguese’s success elsewhere.
Sky Sports News HQ broke the news at 5.20pm on Thursday that Mourinho had signed his contract – and he posted an image of its front page on his new Instagram account at 9.36am on Friday.
The rivalry is likely to be just as fierce when United attempt to make up ground on their neighbours, who have finished above them in the Premier League for the past three seasons.
The Red Devils have won 20 English league titles, 12 FA Cups, three European Cup/Champions League titles and the World Club Cup.
A ninth league loss in 16 matches spelled the end of his reign, which the club’s technical director Michael Emenalo pinned on “palpable discord” between the manager and his players.
The 37-year-old won six Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford, also winning three League Cups, the Charity Shield on six occasions, the Club World Cup in 2008 and the Champions League earlier that year.
“I hope Manchester United get back to being what they were because it’s an impressive club but in the last years they lacked an identity a bit. His track record of success is ideal to take the club forward”, vice-chairman of United Ed Woodward said.
An official announcement from the club is expected on Friday.
“This is a sign he knows how to get a team playing in a way Manchester United fans can look forward to seeing”.
Turgid, prosaic football led to the club’s worst scoring return in the league for 26 years and saw Van Gaal’s side miss out on Champions League qualification to neighbours Manchester City on goal difference.
Other questions for Mourinho: Will he continue United’s long-held tradition of giving youth a chance, or does he scrap “potential” in search of immediate success?
Mourinho has been given a three-year contract, which British media estimated being worth between 30 million and 45 million pounds ($43.99-$65.98 million).
Press Association Sport understands United’s most decorated player has an offer to stay on, although it is unclear what that role would be.
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United have been linked with Mourinho for a number of months due to inconsistent results and much-maligned performances under the guidance of Van Gaal.
