I Am Ready For Man United Challenge - Mourinho

Jose Mourinho says he is ready for the task of rebuilding Manchester United, insisting: “I am where I want to be.”

The new United manager added: “I think it is a job everyone wants and not many have a chance to have and I have it.”

Former Chelsea boss Mourinho succeeds Dutchman Louis van Gaal, who was sacked after United’s FA Cup success in May.

The Portuguese said he was “frustrated” United are not in the Champions League next season but insisted he was at Old Trafford to win trophies.

Mourinho also said that:

• He wants to make four major signings;


• He is not to blame for the departure of Ryan Giggs;


• He will not play Wayne Rooney in midfield;


• He has a track record of promoting young players.

United, the 20-time English champions, finished fifth in the Premier League last season, 15 points adrift of shock champions Leicester City.

United won the FA Cup, but the campaign was generally viewed as another disappointment, prompting the sacking of Van Gaal in May.

“It would be quite pragmatic to say let’s work and let’s try to be back to the Champions League, be back to the top four,” said Mourinho.

“I am not good on that and I didn’t want to be good on that. I am more aggressive. We want to win.

“For many years, success was just routine and in this moment the last three years are to forget. I want the players to forget. I don’t want the players to think we have to do better and finish fourth. Finishing fourth is not the aim.

“I want everything. I want to win matches, I want to play well, I don’t want to concede goals. I want the fans to be behind us.

“Of course, we’re not going to get everything, but we want to.”

Asked if he had a point to prove after his second stint at Chelsea ended in the sack, Mourinho responded: “There are some managers who haven’t won titles for 10 years. Some of them never. The last time I won was a year ago.”

Mourinho, who led the Blues to the Premier League title in 2015, added: “If I have something to prove, imagine the others. That’s my feeling.

“I feel that I have to prove not to the others but to myself. I would never be able to work without success. That is my nature.”

Jose Mourinho left Chelsea – for the second time – on 17 December 2015

On new players

Mourinho said he had targeted four signings and had secured three of them.

“I am very clear in my approach and model to play and I need specialists in that,” said the former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss. “I like one or two multi-functional because you need them when you are in a bit of trouble.”

Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly are already at the club, while Henrikh Mkhitaryan looks like being the third recruit after United’s bid for the midfielder was accepted by Borussia Dortmund.

France and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba, 23, has also been heavily linked with a return to the club he left in 2011.

“We decided four targets,” said Mourinho, 53. “Until we have the fourth, we are still working hard. The third player will be official soon.”

Mourinho has signed a three-year contract

On promoting youth

Mourinho has been accused of putting his faith in proven, older talent at his previous clubs rather than investing in youth.

But the former Porto boss was quick to reject such allegations when he faced the media on Tuesday.

“You know how many young players I promoted to the first team from academies?” he asked. “Forty nine. Some of them are big names, they are Champions League winners in the Euros, playing for national teams.

“One lie repeated many times sometimes looks true, but it will never be true.”

On Ryan Giggs

Giggs, who made a record 963 appearances for the Red Devils, ended his 29-year association with the club last week.

The Welshman was assistant to Van Gaal and had been tipped by some to succeed the Dutchman.

“It is not my responsibility Ryan is not in the club,” said Mourinho. “The job Ryan wanted is the job the club decided to give me. If, one day, he wants to be back to the club while I am here, I would never stop him.

On Wayne Rooney

Rooney has played the bulk of his career in attack and is only four goals short of Sir Bobby Charlton’s club record of 249.

But he spent the end of last season in midfield, and played in the same position for England at Euro 2016.

“Maybe he is not a striker any more, maybe he is not a number nine any more, but with me he will never be a number six or somebody who plays 50 metres away from the goal,” said Mourinho.

“Yes, his pass is amazing, but my pass is also amazing without pressure. To put the ball in the net is the most difficult thing you have to find.”

BBC

I Am Ready For Man United Challenge - Mourinho

Rooney Is England"s Best - Mourinho

New Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has hailed Wayne Rooney as “England’s best player for over a decade” ahead of the striker’s testimonial against Everton.

United will face Rooney’s former club at Old Trafford on August 3 – in what will be their first home pre-season fixture in two years and Mourinho’s first in charge – with all proceeds going to charity.

Rooney has been rewarded after 12 years with the club following a £20m move from Goodison Park in 2004.

And Mourinho said: “Wayne is and has been England’s best player for over a decade and this game will be a fitting tribute to everything he has achieved.

“I’m looking forward to what will be a very special night for us both. I’m sure the fans will make this a memorable occasion and help Wayne to raise a lot of money to help support vulnerable children.”

The match will mark the beginning of a year of fundraising events by the new Wayne Rooney Foundation, aimed at raising £5m for disadvantaged and vulnerable children.

The cash raised will be distributed to the NSPCC, Claire House Children’s Hospice, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and the Manchester United Foundation.

Rooney said: “For me there could not be a more special Testimonial match. Manchester United and Everton are the only clubs I have played for as a professional footballer.

“I am happy to say now that, whatever may happen in the future, I will never play for another Premier League club.

“I owe United and Everton everything for giving me my footballing opportunities. Through the Wayne Rooney Foundation I want to put something back and, at the same time, say a heartfelt thanks to everyone at these great clubs who ever helped me in my career.

“Everton and United, along with my family, gave me the support and opportunity to help me achieve my goals and dreams.

“Having a young family of my own makes me realise it’s vital that every child gets the opportunity to grow up surrounded by love and support to give them a chance of fulfilling their potential.

“I hope The Wayne Rooney Foundation and its charity partners can improve and inspire the lives of children disadvantaged by family breakdown, abuse, health issues or lack of educational opportunities.”

SKYSPORTS

Rooney Is England"s Best - Mourinho

Mourinho Reduces Role At Charity Game

 

Jose Mourinho with Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho will no longer take charge of England for Sunday’s Soccer Aid charity game.

Mourinho was due to manage an England XI including ex-Arsenal keeper David Seaman and former United defender Phil Neville, plus a host of celebrities. The 53-year-old could still help train the squad and will be at Old Trafford for the game, although he might not be in the dug-out. Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce takes over from Mourinho. The match is Mourinho’s first at Old Trafford since his appointment as Louis van Gaal’s successor last month.

The former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss visited United’s Carrington training ground for the first time on Monday. He was given a tour by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and met club legend Sir Bobby Charlton during his seven-hour visit. Mourinho is yet to meet with Ryan Giggs. The Welshman still has a contract as an assistant manager, although Mourinho’s long-time deputy Rui Faria is expected to be in that role next season. Giggs, 42, is on leave until Saturday and is yet to be contacted by Mourinho or Woodward – and is still to be told what role, if any, they have for him. Meanwhile, midfielder Michael Carrick is expected to stay on at United for another season. The 34-year-old is out of contract but a new one-year deal has been offered by the club. BBC

Mourinho Reduces Role At Charity Game

Rooney Excited By Mourinho Arrival

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney is excited by the appointment of Jose Mourinho and is looking forward to working with the new manager at the start of 2016/17.

Mourinho was announced as United’s new manager on Friday morning and visited the Aon Training Complex on Monday, where he met club legend Sir Bobby Charlton and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

The 53-year-old arrives at Old Trafford with an enormous pedigree, having won 22 major team honours in four different countries, and Rooney is eagerly anticipating what lies ahead for the Reds.

Speaking at a news conference ahead of England’s Euro 2016 warm-up match against Portugal on Thursday night, Rooney said: “He’s one of the best managers in the world. It’s an exciting time for Manchester United.

“He knows the Premier League very well and I’m looking forward to it [working with Mourinho].”

For now, Rooney’s focus is on international matters as he looks to captain England to Euro 2016 glory in France. The forward is one of three Reds in Roy Hodgson’s squad, alongside Chris Smalling and Marcus Rashford, with the team kicking off their campaign against Russia on 11 June in Marseille.

“It’s a proud moment to captain the team heading into a tournament,” said Rooney. “It’s a young squad but it has got a lot of quality. I’m injury-free, whereas in a lot of tournaments I’ve had little niggles. I’m happy with my fitness and form.”

Rooney scored England’s second goal in Friday’s friendly win over Australia, after Rashford had netted barely two minutes into his senior international debut to continue his remarkable rise, with confirmation of the 19-year-old’s place in England’s tournament squad coming only 96 days after his senior United debut.

“The way Marcus took to coming into the Manchester United team and the way he’s performed from when he’s come in until the end of the season has been incredible,” Rooney continued. “He’s certainly showed what he can do in his first game for England, getting his first goal in the first couple of minutes.

“I think what’s pleasing about him is his attitude. It’s first class and that’s shown around the hotel and on the training pitch and he deserves it. He could be a real positive for us.”

Hodgson added: “Rashford’s had that fantastic end to the season and he’s a very interesting player. He has special qualities and I think that’s been recognised by everybody – and it will be very interesting to see in a squad of 23 whether or not he can bring those qualities to bear at an even higher level.”

MANU FC

Rooney Excited By Mourinho Arrival

Jose Mourinho congratulates Claudio Ranieri

Jose Mourinho has issued a statement congratulating Claudio Ranieri and Leicester on their historic Premier League title win.

Leicester were confirmed as English champions following Tottenham’s 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Spurs had looked like taking the title race to the penultimate weekend of the season when they went two goals up but second-half strikes from Gary Cahill and Eden Hazard ended the North London club’s slim hopes of catching Leicester.

Claudio Ranieri celebrates his first ever league crown as a head coach

Mourinho, whose former side in drawing with Spurs finally surrendered their status as champions, told CAA Sports: “I want to congratulate everyone connected to Leicester; players, staff, owners and fans.

“I lost my title to Claudio Ranieri and it is with incredible emotion that I live this magic moment in his career.”

Mourinho replaced Ranieri as Chelsea manager in 2004 because Blues owner Roman Abramovich believed the Italian wasn’t capable of delivering the title to Stamford Bridge.

Speaking 12 years on, after his Leicester side were confirmed as champions, Ranieri hailed his players, who were last summer a 5,000/1 long shot to end the season as title winners.

“I’m so proud. The players have been fantastic,” he said. “Their focus, their determination, their spirit has made this possible.

Jose Mourinho congratulates Claudio Ranieri

Transfer Rumour: Mourinho Wants Higuain At United

Manchester United could be about to go head-to-head with Arsenal in the race to sign Gonzalo Higuain, according to Football Insider, via the Daily Star.

It has been alleged that United will make a mammoth £74million bid if Jose Mourinho takes over as boss at the end of the season.

The Napoli striker has reportedly been wanted by Arsenal for some time but Mourinho will want to bring in a world class striker should he take over as manager.

Higuain has scored 29 goals in 30 Serie A games this season, leading Napoli’s title charge, but has made no indication that he wants a move yet.

Transfer Rumour: Mourinho Wants Higuain At United

Jose Mourinho Signs Pre-contract Man United Deal

Spanish newspaper, El Pais has reported Jose Mourinho,  ex-Chelsea manager, has signed a pre-contract agreement with Manchester United to take charge at Old Trafford this summer.

 

The Portuguese coach, sacked by the Blues in December, has been regularly linked with Louis van Gaal’s job over the last three months.

According to a report, the Special One will be due £15million in compensation if he is notappointed by the club by June 1

According to the Spanish newspaper, a source from Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute agency – who represent Mourinho – had confirmed that the ex-Inter and Real Madrid boss has already signed to join United, but that the Red Devils can still change their mind.

Jose Mourinho Signs Pre-contract Man United Deal

Transfer: Chelsea Plot Jamie Vardy transfer

Chelsea Target Premier League Striker

 

Interim chelsea manager, Guus Hiddink has been promised cash to spend during the January winter transfer window.

 

The blues have struggled to find he form that won the club its 5th premier league title. Chelsea lie 15th on the log after recording a win n their last game against fellow relegation contenders, Sunderland.  Jose Mourinho lost his job for the second time as manager of the London club and it is his statement that the players have “betrayed” that has prompted owner, Roman Abramovich to spend big the January window.

Jamiie Vardy celebrate scoring for Leicester city

Leicester city and top of the goal scoring chat, Jamie Vardy has been rumoured to be on Chelsea’s shortlist to replace out of form Diego Costa.

The Brazilian born Spanish forward has been struggling this season after a blistering 2014/15 season and this poor run of form has led him to pick up “needless fights” with opposition defenders and former manager, Mourniho (who he threw a bib at).

Chelsea signed Radamel Falcao on loan from AS Monaco to battle Diego Costa but the Colombian has scored just one in the league and has been away with a long injury.

 

Claudio Ranieri, Leicester City manager, has made it clear none of his star players will be sold but with a 40 million pound bid will be difficult for the midlands side to reject after paying a mediocre fee of 500,000 pounds to secure his services from the 4th tier of English football.

Transfer: Chelsea Plot Jamie Vardy transfer

Verdict: Manchester United And Mourinho Are A Perfect Match

Mourinho And Manchester United Are Made For Each Other – Henry

 

Arsenal and France legend, Thierry Henry thinks Jose Mourinho and Manchester united are a perfect fit.

The Red devils have only three of 13-matches played in all competitions and the weekend home defeat to low-lying Norwich city has linked the former chelsea boss Mourinho to Louis Van Gaal post.

Under pressure Manchester united manager, Louis Van Gaal

The Dutch manager is under immense pressure to revive his side after back-to-back defeat in the epl and with spurs over taking United in 4th, the former barcelona manager knows it is only a

matter of time before he’s relived of his post.

Thierry Henry believes that if cross-town rivals, City are able to secure the signature of Pep Guardiola, then Jose Mourinho will fit the bill at manchester united.

Former Chelsea manager, Jose Mourinho has been linked to replace Van Gaal as Manchester united manager

He said on Monday Night football, “I think that Jose Mourinho can be the perfect fit (at United). He succeeded at Chelsea until recently before his sacking and dominated FC Barcelona during hs time with Real Madrid.

He continues adding, “if you ask me, I thinks Jose is the perfect fit for Mnachester united”.

Manchester united travel to Stoke city on boxing day and a defeat in this game might be the last straw that cost Louis Van Gaal his job.

Verdict: Manchester United And Mourinho Are A Perfect Match