The worst kept secret in football in recent times was finally revealed Friday, after months of speculations.
Jose Mourinho was finally confirmed as Manchester United’s new manager, according to the club.
The 53-year-old replaces Louis van Gaal, who was sacked despite leading the club to win their first FA Cup trophy in 12 years at the weekend.
The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss has been handed a three-year deal at Old Trafford, ending months of speculation linking him to the United job.
Mourinho replaced sacked Dutchman Louis van Gaal after a disappointing, bizarre tenure as manager where he led United to fifth place in the Premier League but failed to get them past the Champions League group stages.
The former Netherlands boss was also criticised for his lack of attacking football, with United only scoring 49 goals in the top flight.
As competitive as the Premier League has been, it’s hard to imagine Mourinho won’t take United to the next level, but the biggest worry is about his antics and the way he relates with his players on and off the pitch.
Another big question soccer pundits are asking is: Does Mourinho fits into Manchester United blueprint?
The record-equalling 12-time FA Cup winners have appointed a fourth different managers in the space of 36 months, a tradition the club is not used to.
Aside Sir Alex Ferguson who spent 27 years as manager (1986 to 2013), United have battled to get a manager in Ferguson’s calibre and philosophy that will guide the club to a Premier League and Champions League success.
The job description for an ideal United manager is more about football strategy and personality. The Old Trafford club remains arguably the biggest global brand in the world with revenue from over 70 commercial partners driving record profits.
United public profile is paramount, coupled with a steady commitment to investment in the academy and playing a free-flowing brand of football, there is no doubt the Glazer family and executive vice chairman Ed Woodward are dancing with the devil with the appointment of Jose Mourinho.
But Mourinho’s appointment has been backed by top coaches and some former United players.
Ex-goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel says the Portuguese “could save” the club, while Hull City boss Steve Bruce believes the opportunity to bring in the three-time Premier League champion was “just too good to miss.”
Also, former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti told BBC Sport Mourinho would be a “fantastic signing,” adding United had “lost its identity this last year.”
But Old Trafford legend Eric Cantona said his former club should had gone for incoming Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola instead, saying he “loved” Mourinho but that his style of play was “not Manchester United.”
Retired Dutch international Ronald de Boer said Mourinho was a “workaholic” like Van Gaal, “prepares perfectly” and “knows how to grind out wins.”
Mourinho has won the league within two seasons at Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid. In Chelsea’s case, he’s done it twice.
Mourinho has eight-league titles success to his name with Porto, Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid, including three Premier League triumphs.
But United have not finished higher than fourth in the three years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired after collecting 13 league crowns in his 26-year reign at Old Trafford.
They finished fifth place in 2015-16, prompting the decision to dismiss Van Gaal and replace him with his former Barcelona coaching protégé.
His track record of success speaks volume for him and also makes him the ideal candidate to take the club forward, but again, the Portuguese tactician should learn from his mistakes at Real Madrid and Chelsea where he had rancour with players and staff of the club. No doubt, the best football tactician and fans can’t wait to see the Special One back on the pitch and come up against his rival Guardiola, who takes charge of Manchester City.
Mourinho’s first job at Old Trafford will be on June 5 for Soccer Aid as he manages an England team against a Rest of the World side led by Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri.
Anthony Nlebem
