Mourinho Confirmed As Manchester United Boss

Manchester United have confirmed Jose Mourinho as their new manager, saying he is "simply the best manager in the game today".

Announcing the appointment the club's 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."

Mourinho, who famously declared himself the "Special One" when he first came to the Premier League, said: "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.

"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."

The former Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss has signed on a three-year contract with an option to stay on until at least 2020, the Premier League club said.

Mourinho had been widely expected to succeed Louis Van Gaal, who was sacked earlier this week despite winning the FA Cup.

It marks a quick return to English football for the Portuguese, who was sacked by Chelsea in December after an alarming slump in form left the west London club languishing in the bottom half of the league table.

Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes met United officials on Tuesday to discuss personal terms.

The talks became protracted, however, when it emerged that Chelsea still owned his name as a trademark.

Mourinho's immediate task is to revive United's ailing fortunes.

The club finished fifth in the Premier League last term and missed out on Champions League qualification.