Manchester United has handed the reins of control to Jose Mourinho.
The Premier League club appointed Mourinho as manager Friday, the five-month mutual pursuit ending when he signed a three-year contract.
Manchester United said in a statement that it’s delighted to attract one of the most successful coaches in Premier League history.
“Jose is quite simply the best manager in the game today,” executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said. “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.”
Sir Alex Ferguson built a winning tradition at Manchester United, but standards have slipped since he ended his 27-year tenure as manager by retiring in 2013. The Red Devils fell from first in the Premier League standings in Ferguson’s final year to seventh, third and fifth in the next three seasons.
Mourinho replaces Louis van Gaal, whose two-year reign ended Monday when Manchester United fired him.
Mourinho guided Chelsea to three Premier League trophies in two spells in charge. Only Ferguson rivals Mourinho’s overall track record of success in England’s top flight.
But Mourinho’s résumé isn’t free of blemishes. Chelsea’s disastrous defense of its 2014-15 title cost him his job at Stamford Bridge in December.
After departing Chelsea, Mourinho expressed his desire to remain in England and return to work as soon as possible. He spent months positioning himself for the Manchester United job, and he’s eager to return the club, and himself, to winning ways.
Manchester United will unveil Mourinho to the media on July 7, but he’s already hard at work preparing himself and the club for his arrival.
