Jose Mourinho and Manchester United should be a match made in heaven as one of football’s most charismatic and trophied coaches bids to return England’s most prolific title winners back to former glory.
His record of achievement speaks for itself and odds on United winning the Premier League for the first time since 2013 will tumble when he is confirmed as manager this week.
However, United fans who demand attacking flair and take pride in seeing exciting young players promoted through the system into the first team might have to grit their teeth because that is not Mourinho’s usual way.
Twelve years ago the “upstart” Portuguese coach introduced himself to Old Trafford by charging down the touchline to celebrate Porto’s late knockout winner in a Champions League tie.
Now, after running out of patience with Louis van Gaal, United have turned to Mourinho, who spent the second half of the season kicking his heels for almost the first time in a career spent plundering silverware in Portugal, England, Italy and Spain.
The Portuguese’s second spell at Chelsea, which brought him a third Premier League title with the London club last year, came to a bitter end when he was sacked in December after the champions lost nine of their first 16 league matches.
Since then, the 53-year-old has remained in London and waited for a call, no doubt watching Van Gaal’s dour struggles at Old Trafford with more than passing interest.
Van Gaal, hired by United in May 2014 after a season of upheaval following the retirement of Alex Ferguson, will leave after two years of his three-year contract.
An FA Cup triumph was deemed not good enough when measured against a failure to qualify for the Champions League on the back of as season where the 20-time English champions were transformed from the great entertainers into a boring team.
Bringing back the good times, will be a challenge for the self-styled “Special One”, but with the board’s backing and a hefty budget, it is one he should relish.
There is plenty of work to do, though, as United’s squad, despite heavy spending on the likes of Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial, looks limited in the creative and goals departments.
While Van Gaal’s possession-based tactics have contributed to a meagre league goal return of 49 in 38 games – compared with their previous Premier League average of 76 – the problems appear more deep-rooted.
But if it is free-flowing football United fans crave, Mourinho’s pragmatic approach might not satisfy them either.
In his first spell at Chelsea and at Inter Milan he perfected the art of sitting on a 1-0 lead.
Also, whether you like his tactics or not, Van Gaal, apart from the odd petulant media conference, was a statesmanlike figure who would not drag the club’s all-important brand through the mud.
Controversy, on the other hand, follows Mourinho around.
His antics at Real Madrid, where he won the La Liga title, included getting a two-match ban for poking former Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye.
Mourinho’s CV suggests United will return to winning ways, but the club’s traditionalists might have to grit their teeth for the journey.
Doug Graves
Guest
Anyway I hope they keep Mourinho for too long and he wrecks the joint.
Doug Graves
Guest
I think the ethos of the Ferguson era is a myth once the EPL era began. They only kept Fergie so long because he kept getting Champions League and winning silverware. If United had begun failing to do this during the EPL era, Fergie would have been shown the door years before he retired.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Yep - this is why you have to trick the stu4id filter. Gooners should be written as: Ar5enal.
Mark
Guest
Probably because the system to screen comments for moderation is pretty hopeless and picks up any comment on the Gunners because of the first four letters in their name.
Punter
Guest
Why is this comment under moderation?
Punter
Guest
You bringing commonsense to the argument, not fair. It's obvious why Man U, Man City, Arsenal & Liverpool supporters don't like Mourinho!!!!
Chris
Guest
That is just silly. And i dont get why we would be bored by a defensive game, defensive games can be just as exciting as attacking ones. It wasnt Mourinho but that Chelsea v Barcelona semi final where Gary Neville had an orgasm when Torres scored is one of the best games i have ever watched and i really dont like Chelsea. Results are what matters and if they are done in a defensive way, where the defense works because the team plays well and not thru luck then im all for that brand of beautiful football.
aladdin sane
Guest
obviously didn't catch much of his madrid team play! 128 goals in a season. yeah, pretty boring!
Tlc
Guest
Mourinho is not a long-term coach, his career history is proof of that. So is he the right man to coach ManU for 2 or 3 years? We will see. I give him the chance to win the premiership once, maybe even the Champions League. His best bet would be to sign Ibrahimovic - that phenomenal leader who won 13 premierships in the past 15 seasons(!!!), with 6 different clubs(!!!) in 4 different nations(!!!).... Nobody holds that record... With Ibrahimovic in the team, ManU quite possibly win the premiership every year until he moves on...
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
No thanks. I'd rather lose than be bored to death with his #$@% style of football.
damo
Guest
I think he may surprise us all & revitalise a big club that has found itself losing the mystique that has given it a psychological edge over the last few decades. The fans & club have enjoyed a glorious spell, but as a young fellow supporting them (early 80's, Bryan Robson being my favourite) it had been a long time between drinks as the saying goes. I think Mourinho will bring a different attitude with him, & for better or worse, if it works early on it just may sustain itself & winning brings players who we have seen look elsewhere for their big money & chance at trophies. He does seem to have a good scouting network but & no doubt has already tapped some players ready for the transfer window, but you always hope that youth will be given a go so fingers crossed. I don't follow the club in any meaningful fashion anymore, but it was always going to be an interesting time after Sir Alex Ferguson retired & as mentioned in the article, Mourinho looked a good bet back then to take the helm so maybe he will benefit from the intervening tumult.
Chris
Guest
I think Mourinho will do well. He doesnt have the love of youth or the attacking flair but i think he really does want to be at United and has for years, i cant think of any manager saying they want a club as often as he has for the last decade. It could just be me being optimistic but i think he wants to retire at United and so will be looking more long term than he has at Chelsea or Real.
Mark
Guest
Agree. Mourinho's appointment represents peak desperation at Man U, a clear sign that the ethos of the Ferguson era has been totally repudiated for what will at best be a short term sugar hit of success.
Punter
Guest
YES!!!!! One of the best coaches in the world with one of the biggest clubs in the world!!!
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
NO.