Manchester United transfer news: Red Devils confirm Jose Mourinho as Louis van Gaal's successor

Jose Mourinho will return to management for the first time since he was sacked at Chelsea last December.

Manchester United have confirmed they have appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager on Friday.

The Portuguese tactician has signed a three-year contract, with an option to further extend for one more year. He will take charge at Old Trafford from the 2016/17 season.

A statement on United's official website read, "José Mourinho will take over as manager of Manchester United from the 2016/17 season, signing a three-year contract with an option to stay at the club until at least 2020."

"José, 53, has managed at the top level of European football for over a decade and in that time has won league titles and cups in four countries (Portugal, England, Italy and Spain), as well as winning the UEFA Champions League twice – in 2004 with FC Porto and in 2010 with Inter Milan."

The former Chelsea boss expressed his delight after taking charge of the 20-time English champions and even admitted that he has always enjoyed coming to Old Trafford. Going forward from next season, Mourinho will be sitting in the home team at Old Trafford.

"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," United's new manager explained.

"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 replaced Louis van Gaal at United as the Dutchman was sacked just days after he helped the Red Devils win the FA Cup.

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