Depay Out To Impress Mourinho

Memphis Depay hopes to catch the eye of new boss Jose Mourinho in pre-season training following a disappointing debut campaign.

The 22-year-old arrived from PSV Eindhoven for £27.9m last summer as a replacement for Angel Di Maria but struggled to make a consistent impact.

The Dutch international admits he struggled for confidence as the season wore on but he is determined to bounce back next campaign and prove he belongs at Old Trafford.

"It's never nice to be criticised, but it is part of the game and I have to deal with it," Memphis told Fox Sports.

"The season did not go as planned and that hurt my confidence a bit. It's now up to me to deal with this situation and get back on track.

"I think every attacker is intuitive. You have to make decisions on when to go for an individual action. The old Memphis, who beat every opponent, will soon be back again.

"I did not play as many games as I hoped and I am obviously disappointed about that. I had different expectations. But I have to deal with that.

"It's now on to next season. I have to prove my worth during pre-season."

Depay was brought to United by Louis van Gaal - the man who also handed him his international debut.

Upon signing for the club last summer, Depay said of Van Gaal: "He is a great manager. He can make players better."

But the relationship between the pair soured as Depay struggled to fulfil expectations and the season culminated with midfielder being left out entirely from United's match-day squad for their FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace at Wembley.

Depay insists he does not fault Van Gaal for his struggles but also admitted he has yet to contact his compatriot following his sacking by the club last week.

"I do not want to blame the manager for it," Depay said. "I played some good games and some bad matches. I do not want to blame anyone for it.

"I have not been in touch with Van Gaal yet. I might give him a call or send him a text."

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Blind Ready To Fight For His Future

Manchester United defender Daley Blind insists he is determined to stay and fight for his place at Old Trafford.

New manager Jose Mourinho is already planning his overhaul of United's squad as he attempts to build a team capable of winning the Premier League.

Sky Sports News HQ understands Blind and Juan Mata are set to be high-profile departures from the club, with Mourinho happy to approve the sale of both players this summer should United receive acceptable bids.

But Blind insists he wants to work with Mourinho and is keen to extend his stay in the Premier League.

Blind told Dutch media outlet NOS: "I am looking forward to working with Mourinho. We will have to wait and see whether anything changes for me.

"I will just give my all and work hard. Mourinho is a manager who has achieved a lot and I am keen to work with him."

After playing primarily in midfield during his first season at United, Blind operated almost exclusively at centre-half alongside Chris Smalling last season.

However his lack of size - he is 5ft 11 - may prevent him from reprising the role under Mourinho, with the Portuguese well known for his preference for tall players through the spine of his teams.

"If you don't have five tall players," he said during his time in charge of Chelsea, "you are dead at set pieces."

Blind recognises he is not as big as most centre-halves but pointed to United's excellent defensive record last season - they conceded a league-lowest 35 goals along with Tottenham - as evidence of his ability to perform in the role.

"I might not be as big as Pepe [who Mourinho coached at Real Madrid] but I think I have shown in the Premier League that I can hold my own defensively," Blind said.

"We conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League and I think we got the most clean sheets. That's something to be proud of. I played nearly every game and that is a good feeling.

"You might be looking for a certain statement, but I will just give my all under Mourinho."

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Smalling On Vidic

After an outstanding season for Manchester United, Chris Smalling now has a busy summer ahead representing England at Euro 2016. Before he left, we sat down with the defender to discuss playing alongside the man who put the fear into opposition teams every time he stepped on the pitch, former Reds captain Nemanja Vidic...

"Vida, as we all called him, just loved to defend. A lot is said about the more glamorous side of the game and the flair players but you can’t beat someone like Vida as a dominant and aggressive figure in the backline who just wants to stop goals. That’s ultimately what we’re there to do as defenders and he was always solely focused on that.

"He had many qualities which made him a great defender, but two that stand out for me were his leadership and his presence. I’m pretty sure that when players on the opposition team saw his name on the team-sheet, they would be fearful. He had that fear factor and that made him such a big presence for us. The aggression he had is probably the biggest thing I took from playing alongside him. No matter whether it was a training session or a match, no-one ever wanted to be up against Vida because he’d have no hesitation in kicking you as well as the ball if it was there to be won! [Smiles] He was committed every day.

"Playing with him was a great experience. His aggression and the dominance he had in games is something I’ve always wanted to bring into my game. To be able to learn alongside one of the greatest defenders this club has had about both of those qualities was brilliant for me. He always helped me in terms of trying to be aware and sense the danger before it happened and he was a player that was always pushing you to improve and be the best. He was never satisfied - every day in training he always strived to keep improving.

"Talking to him, on and off the field, was invaluable. Communication was key to his great partnership with Rio [Ferdinand], it’s the key to any defensive partnership, Vida always stressed that to me. He and Rio could anticipate trouble before it happened at times because they read the game so well and communicated so well together.

"He wasn’t just a big figure in the defence, he had a knack of popping up at the other with some key goals too and he was always a threat from set-plays, which is another thing I’d like to continue to improve in my game.

"His contribution to United will be talked about for years to come and he’ll rightly go down as a club legend. Whenever he stepped on the pitch, he led by example and he was a true centre-back that all us defenders should look up to."

Sky Sources: Blind & Mata Set For Manchester United Exit This Summer

Daley Blind and Juan Mata will be high-profile victims of Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United this summer, Sky Sports News HQ understands.

Mourinho, who was shown around United's Carrington training ground by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and Sir Bobby Charlton on Monday, is already planning his assault on the summer transfer market, and has identified a number of key targets.

Neither Mata nor Blind are expected to feature in Mourinho's plans for the forthcoming season as he builds a team, which he believes, can win the Premier League.

It is understood Mourinho would approve the sale of both players this summer should United receive acceptable bids, with the expectation he can sign players to directly replace them.

Mourinho sanctioned Mata's sale to Manchester United from Chelsea in January 2014 for a fee in the region of £33.5m, despite the Spaniard being named Chelsea's Player Of The Season six months earlier.

At the time, Mourinho was unhappy with Mata's work rate and pace, and also held doubts about the his tactical suitability for his preferred system. It is understood he has not changed his mind since, which in all likelihood spells the end of Mata's time at the club.

Meanwhile Blind, signed by Van Gaal for £14m in his first summer transfer window after arriving at Old Trafford, does not fit the physical profile Mourinho looks for in his central defenders, deeming him also surplus to requirements.

Mourinho has a history of signing tall, fast, strong central defenders, such as Kurt Zouma and Raphael Varane at Chelsea and Real Madrid respectively. The physical attributes of both players were seen as key factors in their recruitment, and Mourinho had no qualms in introducing them to the first team at a young age.

Blind was also critical of the manner of Van Gaal's sacking last week, just days after winning United's first piece of silverware since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club. He claimed Van Gaal should have been given more time in charge, making him seemingly at odds with Mourinho's appointment.

"I always worked well with him and would have been keen that the co-operation lasted longer," Blind told reporters at the Netherlands' training camp in Portugal.

"Over the last six months he has not been treated fairly. I think a manager like Louis van Gaal, who has achieved so much already, deserved more respect.

"Even though there was so much being written about him losing his job over the last months, he always looked to protect and shelter us. It is not easy for a coach if you are repeatedly being fired in the newspapers."

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Crerand: Carrick Is Staying At Manchester United

Michael Carrick has signed a new one-year contract with Manchester United, according to club legend Paddy Crerand.

Carrick's current deal runs out this summer and he appeared to be on his way out of Old Trafford after 10 successful seasons with the club.

In his time with United, Carrick has won five Premier League titles and also won the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup.

There has been no official confirmation from United that the 34-year-old has signed, or agreed, a new deal but Crerand appeared to let the news slip on MUTV on Monday night.

Crerand, who made over 300 appearances for United, said: "Something that happened today that nobody has mentioned, and I'm delighted that he has signed another contract: Michael Carrick. He's signed a contract for another year.

"There was a situation where it looked as if his contract was up at the end of this year and that was it, but from what I'm gathering he's there for another year."

Carrick would become the third United player to sign a new deal since Jose Mourinho was confirmed as their new manager last week - young pair Marcus Rashford and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson committed their long-term future to the club on Monday.

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Charlton Welcomes Jose Mourinho To Manchester United

Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton appears to have given new manager Jose Mourinho his seal of approval after the pair were pictured together on Monday.

Charlton, alongside executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, welcomed the former Real Madrid and Chelsea boss to United's training base in Carrington.

Mourinho, who replaced Louis van Gaal as manager at Old Trafford earlier this month, was joined by long-time assistant Rui Faria on a tour of the club's training facilities.

Charlton has previously questioned Mourinho's style of management, most notably after the Portuguese poked Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye during an El Clasico match in 2011.

"A United manager wouldn't do that," Charlton was quoted as saying in 2012. "Mourinho is a really good coach, but that's as far as I would go really.

"He pontificates too much for my liking. He's a good manager, though."

However, Charlton appeared happy to welcome Mourinho to Carrington on Monday, telling the 53-year-old he was "very happy" to see him at the club.

United have moved swiftly to tie down a number of young talents following Mourinho's appointment, with Marcus Rashford and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson both penning long-term deals on Monday.

Mourinho will now begin work at Old Trafford ahead of the club's pre-season tour of China in July.

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Rashford Signs New Deal

Marcus Rashford has signed a new contract at Manchester United which keeps him at the club until at least June 2020 with an option to extend for a further year.

Rashford,18, came through the ranks of our academy and was handed a first-team debut for the Europa League game against Midtjylland. He grabbed his opportunity with both hands by scoring twice, a feat he remarkably repeated three days later on his first league appearance against Arsenal. Marcus has made 17 appearances and scored 8 goals.

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said:

"Marcus is a naturally talented footballer with great potential. He has taken his chances well and has integrated into the first team very quickly. I am delighted that Marcus has signed a new contract, he is at the right club to continue his development. He is still very young and we need to be patient but he is developing in the right way and we believe he has a great future ahead of him."

Marcus Rashford said:

"I am delighted to have signed a new contract. I have always been a Manchester United fan, so to be playing in the first team really is a dream come true. I am grateful for having the chance to prove myself. To be able to play football at the biggest club in the world means everything to me and my family."

Borthwick-Jackson Signs New Deal

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson has signed a new contract at Manchester United which keeps him at the club until at least June 2020 with an option to extend for a further year.

Borthwick-Jackson,19, came through the ranks of our academy and was handed a first-team debut in our Premier League game against West Bromwich Albion in November. Cameron continued to make progress and went on to make 14 appearances for the first team. He also picked up the U21 Player of the Year award at the Manchester United Player of the Year awards, voted for by the Manchester United fans.

Executive vice chairman Ed Woodward said:

"Cameron is one of a number of young players to come through our academy to make their first team debut last season. This is something that our club has always done and promoting the academy and U21 players is something that makes everybody associated with the club very proud. I’m delighted that Cameron has signed his new contract and look forward to seeing him in the squad for many years to come."

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson said:

"I have grown up at United and have enjoyed every minute of being here. Last season was an incredible experience to make my first team debut and a dream come true for myself and my family. I feel it stands me in good stead for continuing my development as a Manchester United player. I will continue to work hard and take advice from the manager and his coaching team to improve with every training session."

Terry Backs Jose Mourinho To Succeed At Manchester United

Chelsea captain John Terry has backed Jose Mourinho to succeed at Manchester United and described the Portuguese as the "best manager" he has ever played under.

Terry looked set to depart Stamford Bridge only a month ago but will now be preparing to face his former manager after accepting a one-year contract extension with the Blues.

After a protracted saga, Mourinho has replaced Louis van Gaal as United's manager and Terry believes the Red Devils have appointed the right man to bring success back to Old Trafford.

"It's fantastic news for Manchester United," said Terry, speaking at the Horan and Rose charity dinner on Sunday.

"I'm sure that United's fans and players will be delighted with that because, as I've said many times before, he's the best manager I've worked under.

"It was unfortunate the way it ended at Chelsea this year but I wish him well because he's also a great man. He'll be great for Manchester United, I'm sure.

"The weather is slightly different maybe… but it's a fantastic place to be and I'm sure he'll settle in well with the likes of Ryan Giggs - hopefully he'll stay and support him as well."

Terry admits that he will find it unusual lining up against his former manager but expects the Portuguese to receive a warm welcome when he returns to Stamford Bridge.

"It'll feel very different," said Terry. "I've come up against Jose for various teams before so it will be interesting.

"He'll get a great reception when he comes back to Stamford Bridge, for sure. First and foremost we have to look at ourselves this year and fight for the title."

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Carrick: Winning Over Style

Michael Carrick says winning is more important than style for Manchester United under new boss Jose Mourinho, as the midfielder waits to find out more about his future at the club.

Some have questioned whether Mourinho's perceived style of play will satisfy United fans who crave attacking and stylish football but Carrick does not think that will be a problem and believes winning is more important.

The 34-year-old's contract is set to expire this summer but he is hopeful he will figure in Mourinho's plans for the future and believes, despite that reservation in some quarters, that the Portuguese is a "good fit" for the club.

"There is going to be change, without doubt. He is coming in and he is his own man, he's got an unbelievable track record and obviously everyone is looking for quick results and that's how it is," Carrick told Sky Sports News HQ.

"I'm not sure exactly the situation of who he is bringing in or anything like that just yet, we will have to wait and see on that one. For me, I'm hopeful, no news as of yet but we'll have to wait and see what happens next week.

"I think his track record speaks for itself, I think it is a good fit. It is about winning at the end of the day. I know there is a lot of talk about styles - play this way, play that way, but it is about winning.

"You have to be No 1, you have to be winning trophies, and if you can do that with a bit of style and a bit of flair then obviously that's the perfect match but, first and foremost, it is about winning and getting back on top."

Carrick thinks his United team-mate Marcus Rashford has a great chance of making Roy Hodgson's final England squad for Euro 2016 after the young striker took just 138 seconds to score on his senior international debut in the 2-1 win over Australia.

However, Carrick, who has won 34 caps for England, thinks the 18-year-old has a big future in the national side, even if he misses out on this summer's tournament in France.

"First and foremost it has been an incredible six months for him and he has given himself every chance," Carrick said. "What more could he have done to give the manager a headache or to put himself forward?

"He's such a nice lad, so down to earth and grounded which is great to see and I hope, for his sake, he goes and does well, and I'm sure he will. He's got all the attributes to do well.

"Even if it is not this one, I have said to him he's got such a big future ahead of him, such a long career that almost anything he gets now is a bonus for him, it's not what he expected, so we'll see how it goes."

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Keane Brands Jose Mourinho 'Really Irritating'

Roy Keane has admitted he is not a fan of Manchester United's new manager Jose Mourinho.

The United legend says Mourinho is not his "cup of tea" and revealed that he finds the former Porto, Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea boss "really irritating".

Mourinho was officially confirmed as Louis van Gaal's successor on Friday after he signed a three-year contract with the 20-time English champions.

"Jose is quite simply the best manager in the game today," said United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward when he welcomed the Portuguese manager to Old Trafford.

However, former captain Keane, who won the Champions Leauge, seven Premier League titles and four FA Cups during his 12 years at Old Trafford was not so complimentary about the 'Special One'.

"He is not my cup of tea," Keane told ITV.

"I found him really irritating when I coached against him, but that is just a personal thing.

"Working at Manchester United is all about winning and his CV will tell you he is a winner. He was always going to be a good option when United didn't qualify for the Champions League.

"He was available, a fantastic CV and it seems like a good fit, but maybe he is not for me."

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Mourinho Has Fulfilled His Destiny

The ninth of March in 2004. A day that would shape the destiny of Jose Mourinho and set him on a course to return to Old Trafford 12 years in the future.

Manchester United were out of luck in the Champions League tie against Porto that evening. Paul Scholes had already cancelled out the visitors' first-leg advantage when he had a goal wrongly disallowed, just before half-time. As it stood, Sir Alex Ferguson's side were progressing on the away-goals rule but, true to their manager's ethos, kept attacking.

Porto did enough to ensure a nervous finale and, when Tim Howard could only parry a Benni McCarthy free-kick, Francisco Costinha pounced to deliver the cruellest of sucker punches in stoppage time. Mourinho, the impressive young coach attracting great credit for his work in his homeland, raced off manically down the touchline in celebration.

The Old Trafford crowd was stunned in disbelief. Some of the fans admired the chutzpah and passion of a rival boss who had barely registered in their consciousness before but was now attracting all the attention on the big stage. Against Manchester United, on our home patch, he had stolen the glory and, understandably, enjoyed the moment in emotional fashion.

Sir Alex and his captain Gary Neville interrupted the jubilant scenes in the visiting dressing room to offer congratulations and pass on their best wishes for the rest of the competition. Maybe it was this act of real sportsmanship that struck a nerve with the coach, engendering a respect for the club that has endured. "It was something we are not used to in our Portuguese culture but it was something I kept and, during my career, I have done it," he later revealed. "I kept it as something from big people that can make others feel special."

It is highly unlikely that Mourinho, at 41, would have anticipated the ripples that would ultimately follow from that one seismic goal and celebration. He continued to steer Porto all the way to the Champions League final in Gelsenkirchen and lifted the trophy with a comfortable 3-0 win over Monaco. By then, he was already earmarked for the Premiership. Chelsea quickly completed a deal for the Portuguese coach, even though there had been some talk their ex-midfielder Didier Deschamps was an option if Monaco had prevailed, and his first game as Blues boss was, of course, against United. With the Reds' injury problems forcing Roy Keane to play at centre-half, a 1-0 defeat was suffered due to Eidur Gudjohnsen's goal. Stamford Bridge saluted their new idol and, again, he had masterminded victory on the big occasion.

The Londoners went on to enjoy a record-breaking campaign and won the league title at a stroll. They only conceded one goal in their opening eight games as their confident young manager hit the ground running in England. Further barnstorming battles with United followed, with Sir Alex and Mourinho competing like chess grandmasters on the touchlines. There was always a healthy respect between them and the fans, generally, appeared to feel likewise.

Mourinho may have been a rival but he was clearly a serial winner. Even the United supporters' chant: "Mourinho are you listening? You'd better keep the trophy glistening, because we'll be back in May, to take it away, walking in a Fergie Wonderland," in 2006/07 carried no open animosity towards the self-proclaimed 'Special One'.

It was as if a gauntlet was thrown down by the Chelsea man, something acknowledged by Sir Alex, who admitted United needed to start seasons in top gear in order to deal with this new domestic landscape, rather than merely strive to hit peak form in the latter half of the campaign. Mourinho raised the bar and forced the Reds to improve, the epitome of every sporting contest and, thankfully, the challenge was met.

When he later returned to Old Trafford with Real Madrid in 2013, one of his players received great adulation as Cristiano Ronaldo was hero-worshipped but there was still light-hearted banter with Mourinho. Even when he was told to "sit down" by the Stretford End, he duly did and commented afterwards that the "best team lost" following the controversial decision to send Nani off. When back at Chelsea, he later praised United's supporters for their backing for Wayne Rooney at a time when he courted the England striker, suggesting it was impossible to act against them when their will was so strong.

If you consider the fact Mourinho has been a huge threat to United's quest for silverware, both domestically and in Europe ever since that fateful night in 2004, he has always been afforded the respect of a winner by the Old Trafford crowd. But from now, that grudging respect will quickly be transformed into something far more visceral. As we embark on a new era under one of the best managers of his generation, things will have come full circle since his Porto side overcame the odds and kept going all the way to lifting the greatest club prize in the game.

There is the sense that Jose Mourinho is made for Manchester United. Similar to when Sir Alex said Eric Cantona looked around an empty Old Trafford and puffed out his chest, asking if an arena that intimidates many was big enough for him. This is the grandest stage that Jose craves. The club's faithful supporters love a winner and, even more, a winner with attitude. Let's eagerly anticipate what the next chapter brings.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and should not be considered as representative of Manchester United Football Club.

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Revealed: United's Fastest Player In 2015/16

Manchester United's fastest player in the 2015/16 Barclays Premier League season has been revealed as Anthony Martial.

The France international came out on top by recording the top speed, as published by Opta and tracked by analysts Tracab. The fleet-footed forward logged a time of 35.25 kilometres per hour during the 3-3 draw at Newcastle United in January.

Martial was the only man to top the 35 km/h mark, which was the highest figure set last term by Wayne Rooney. This time around, Marcus Rashford features in the runners-up slot after sprinting at 34.83 km/h in the 2-0 triumph over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

Luke Shaw showed why his speed was missed on the left flank by featuring twice in the top five, despite being injured for most of the campaign, with centre-back Chris Smalling the other player on the list.

Some 20 different Reds clocked top speeds in individual league matches over the course of the season, with the last one to do so, perhaps a little surprisingly, Michael Carrick in the 3-1 victory over Bournemouth.

Lampard: Mourinho Will Be A Success At Manchester United

Frank Lampard has tipped his former boss Jose Mourinho to be a success at Manchester United and says he will bring the "X Factor" back to Old Trafford.

It was confirmed earlier this week that Mourinho will take over from Louis van Gaal, and he has been tasked with leading United to trophies after just one major cup success in three years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.

Now Lampard, who enjoyed two spells under Mourinho at Chelsea, has backed the Portuguese to restore the club to former glories in what he expects to be one of the most competitive Premier League campaigns yet.

"Jose will have a massive effect at United," he told The Sun. "He knows how to get a team winning by putting his own imprint on them. His personality reflects his teams and, looking from afar, Manchester United have needed that.

"They had a lot of quality in their squad but not much oomph. He has a base there but will bring in players and he will galvanise players. Jose gives them the X Factor - he did that at Chelsea. I know it didn't end perfectly there but I can see him succeeding at United.

"Next season will be as competitive as it has been for a while because a lot of teams have something to prove. But he is a top manager and a team like United need a top manager. It's brilliant for the Premier League that Jose is back. I had a great experience with him, especially during his first spell at Chelsea because he really helped me take my career onto the next level. I know what he brings to English football.

"I'm not a Manchester United fan but I don't think anyone can say they aren't licking their lips at the prospect of Mourinho, [Pep] Guardiola, [Jurgen] Klopp, [Antonio] Conte and [Arsene] Wenger all going up against each other next season."

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Koeman Slams Man. United Over Sacking Of Louis van Gaal

Ronald Koeman has criticised Manchester United for the way they handled the sacking of Louis van Gaal.

The Dutch pair have endured a frosty relationship since falling out in 2004 when Van Gaal was Koeman's director of football at Ajax.

But the Southampton manager believes United officials should have treated Van Gaal better and made him aware about their plans to replace him with former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, insisting that "these kind of deals are not done overnight".

Van Gaal was sacked by United last Monday following months of speculation over his job and replaced by Mourinho three days later.

The 64-year-old's departure also came just two days after he led United to the FA Cup at Wembley - the club's first major trophy since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

"I have watched the process around Louis and Jose Mourinho from a distance," Koeman told the Sunday Mirror.

"For months we were all reading that Mourinho was busy with Manchester United.

"If Louis was not told about getting the sack until after the FA Cup final, then Manchester United as a club don't deserve a medal for the way they treated him.

"If you know a little bit about the business at the highest level in football, then you know that these kind of deals are not done overnight.

"But Louis has been put under tremendous pressure for months. This is why I admire the way he kept his dignity.

"Of course, he had a number of run-ins with the media and there were moments when I thought 'Louis, you could have dealt with that in another way.' But Louis is Louis.

"But looking at the incredible pressure all around him, I think he did a great job winning a big trophy like the FA Cup."

Van Gaal failed to secure a top-four spot in what proved to be his final season at United, with the Red Devils finishing in fifth place.

And Koeman feels Mourinho faces a tough task of restoring United to their past glories, insisting that the Premier League will be even tougher next season.

"It must have been a disappointment for Louis van Gaal that he was not able to guide United into to the top four," he added.

"But Leicester have made the impossible possible and that is the biggest of wake up calls for the big clubs. They will all need to react - and we all know their budgets are almost unlimited.

With Southampton, we beat every big club this season at least once.

"We only finished only three points behind Man City and Man United and we finished 13 points ahead of Chelsea. So we performed above the maximum of what people thought was possible.

"It is only going to be more exciting and competitive. Next season will be the most spectacular fans have ever witnessed."

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Rashford Close To New Deal

A new long-term contract for Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford is close to being announced by the club.

The 18-year-old has one year left on his current deal - and the new contract is thought to be worth £20,000 a week

Rashford scored twice on his debut in February's Europa League win over FC Midtjylland, then again in his first Premier League game three days later.

He is England's youngest debut scorer and will find out on Tuesday if he is in Roy Hodgson's Euro 2016 squad.

Rashford scored just 138 seconds into his first senior international appearance as England continued their preparations for next month's tournament in France with a 2-1 win over Australia on Friday.

Since bursting onto the scene three months ago, Rashford has netted eight times in 18 appearances for the Old Trafford club.

The teenager has been represented in negotiations by family members, with advice from Chris and Wayne Welbeck, brothers of former United forward Danny, who now plays for Arsenal.

Meanwhile, it is thought United are also close to a new deal for defender Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, who has one year to run on his existing contract.

The 19-year-old made 14 appearances under Louis van Gaal this season.

Van Gaal was sacked two days after the club's FA Cup final win over Crystal Palace and has been replaced by former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho.

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Ibrahimovic's Agent Cools Manchester United Talk

Zlatan Ibrahimovic's agent has cooled talk that the striker is heading to Manchester United.

The 34-year-old is a free agent after his PSG contract ended, and Sky sources understand Manchester United are the only Premier League option he has considered, with his former manager Jose Mourinho named as their new boss on Friday.

But his agent Mino Raiola says they have yet to decide their next move, and insists they are in no hurry to rush to a conclusion.

"Does it have to be United that Zlatan goes to? Will the whole of Sweden not sleep if it does not happen?" Raiola told Swedish newspaper Expressen.

"We have yet to decide, it'll be a surprise in the end. Everyone talks about United, which is why I don't talk to journalists a lot.

"There are clubs in England and Europe, some outside of Europe, but everyone thinks he must go to Manchester United. It's not true."

Ibrahimovic said in the week that he has already decided what his next move will be, and he confirmed on Thursday that he has had "concrete offers" from England, Italy and other clubs including some outside of Europe.

Sky Sports News HQ understands he has also been considering an offer from China and that United are not prepared to match the financial terms Ibrahimovic can earn from an unnamed Super League club, worth £53m over two seasons.

Raiola, meanwhile, says the only guarantee is that Ibrahimovic will not be retiring.

"We're not in a hurry. I only care about securing something of quality," the agent said. "We'll see what happens, we have a good time ahead of us now.

"The only thing I can guarantee is that he will not quit. But where he will play next season, I can not say anything about.

"Zlatan Ibrahimovic is King and the club that buys him do not have to pay a transfer fee.

"This means that Ibrahimovic, who just finished a record season at PSG, can get an extra high salary. He is in a good bargaining position."

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Carrick: Mourinho Is A Good Fit For Manchester United

Jose Mourinho is the perfect man to reignite Manchester United's fortunes, Michael Carrick has told Sky Sports F1.

United confirmed the Portuguese would be Louis van Gaal's successor on Friday with the club desperate to improve on a largely lacklustre three years, despite recent FA Cup glory, since Sir Alex Ferguson's exit.

Carrick, whose contract expires this summer, believes the future is rosy at Old Trafford.

The 34-year-old, in Monaco for the Formula One, told Sky Sports F1 expert Ted Kravitz: "Mourinho's track record speaks for itself. He's a good fit for the club and hopefully he'll do very well.

"I have to say it's sad to see anyone lose their job - the manager and staff - but good times are ahead."

Carrick, who joined from Tottenham for £18.6m 10 years ago, did not make Roy Hodgson's England squad for Euro 2016 having last played for his country against Spain in Alicante last November.

But the midfielder expressed his delight at the young players developing on the international stage and he has high hopes for the team in France.

"England have got a good chance," he added. "It's a very young squad with great potential.

"It's the same old feeling with England and you don't want to get too carried away and put too much pressure on the boys going into the Championships but we've got a great chance of going very far and doing really well.

"There's so much ability and so much talent in the squad. It's just letting them develop and letting the boys fulfil their potential. I'm looking forward to seeing how they do."

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Paddy McNair: Mourinho Will Win Trophies For Manchester United

Paddy McNair is confident the appointment of "world class" Jose Mourinho as Manchester United manager will bring trophies to the club.

Sky Sports News HQ broke the news on Thursday that Mourinho had signed his contract before the club confirmed the Portuguese will be in charge at Old Trafford next season the following day.

United have endured a disappointing three-year spell by their standards since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, winning just the Community Shield under David Moyes before Louis van Gaal lifted this season's FA Cup.

However, McNair believes the appointment of the former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid manager will see the club challenge for more honours.

"He's a world class manager, he has won trophies in a lot of countries and he has worked with the best players and with the best teams in the world," McNair said.

"I feel like he can bring trophies to Man Utd."

The Northern Ireland international was named man of the match in a new midfield role in Friday's 3-0 win over Belarus and has been included in his country's 23-man squad for Euro 2016.

He is now hoping to impress his new manager at club level this summer but said none of the United players had heard from Mourinho.

"Every time I go on the pitch there is someone new watching you for the first time probably so I'm just trying to impress everyone," he said, before adding: "I have not heard anything from him."

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Jose: Forget Last 3 Years

Jose Mourinho has told Manchester United supporters to forget the last three years in his first interview as the new manager at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese was confirmed as United boss on Friday, after Sky Sports News HQ broke the news that he had signed the contract on Thursday, succeeding his sacked former mentor Louis van Gaal.

Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 - the year Mourinho reportedly originally wanted the job - the Reds have failed to qualify for the Champions League twice and won just one trophy - this season's FA Cup - which proved to be Van Gaal's last game in charge.

Speaking to MUTV after signing his three-year-contract, Mourinho said he will give everything to restore the club to the top of world football and spoke of the affinity he has had with United supporters since he first took Porto to Old Trafford in 2004.

He said: "I feel great. I am honoured, I am proud, I am everything. But I am here to work and I cannot wait until July 7 to go out on the pitch.

"I think it comes in the right moment in my career because Manchester United is one of these clubs that I call a giant club. You need to be prepared for it and they need the best managers. I think I am ready.

"We can look at our club in two perspectives. One is the past three years, and another is the club history. I prefer to forget the past three years and focus on the history, and the giant club that I have in my hands now.

"I will give absolutely everything to go in the direction we want. I think the fans are expecting me to say that I want to win, and the players need to listen that I want to win.

"I think the players and supporters want to feel that I say that, but we can, really - it's not just to say.

"I think I know what the fans can give me. They know what I can give them. The most important thing is the players, and the relationship with the players and them."

Mourinho has faced the Reds on 20 occasions in all competitions as an opposition manager, presiding over nine wins, nine draws and just two defeats, and he says he has always felt a connection with the club's supporters.

He said: "It is important and curious that I play so many times against them at Old Trafford, with other clubs, and there was empathy, no problems, and I was pushed sometimes to say things that my clubs were not happy with.

"I remember when we won at Old Trafford with Real Madrid [2012-13 Champions League last 16] and I said that the best team lost, and Real Madrid was not very happy."

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Kenyon: Mourinho Is Manchester United's 'Biggest Ever Signing'

Jose Mourinho is Manchester United's "biggest ever signing", according to the man who first brought him to England with Chelsea in 2004.

Peter Kenyon - the former United and Chelsea chief executive - insists the Old Trafford club have got the best manager in football and expects him to be a success.

Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ, Kenyon said: "Quite simply, they're getting the best manager coaching in football today. His track record speaks for itself.

"When I appointed him, I was looking to bring a winning mentality to what was already a good team. Jose brought that immediately, which led to the first title in 50 years, in that first season - that's the ability he has.

"He's got a great ability to make good players better, so I think the current players at Manchester United will be better under Jose Mourinho, for sure.

"It's a really exciting time. He is a coach who brings new techniques, new developments. He's very forward thinking. He'll make the necessary changes that are required and have an immediate impact."

Kenyon left United to join Chelsea in 2003 and he insists Old Trafford is a different place from when he was there under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Kenyon believes Mourinho will do things his own way, and attempt to move the club on from Ferguson's reign.

"With David Gill and Alex going it's a different organisation. Jose's not there for a season, he's there to rebuild Manchester United and I think he's the perfect person to do that," Kenyon said.

"Jose will do it his own way. Jose knows how to win, he knows how to build the best teams, he knows how to create the atmosphere for players to develop to the very top level and win trophies, and that's what he'll be doing.

"I don't think he sets out any day to disrupt but he doesn't take prisoners. That's proved successful and that's what Manchester United are getting."

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Yorke: Mourinho And Ibrahmovic Can Fire Man. United To Glory

Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke hopes one of Jose Mourinho’s first acts as manager will be to bring Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Old Trafford.

Sky Sports News HQ broke the news that Mourinho signed his contract to become Louis van Gaal's successor late on Thursday afternoon, before United made an official announcement on the Portuguese's appointment on Friday morning.

Mourinho and Ibrahimovic have remained very close after spending a year working together at Inter Milan, where the pair won the Serie A title.

That has led to speculation that Ibrahimovic - who has confirmed he will leave Paris Saint Germain this summer when his contract expires - could be reunited at Old Trafford next season, and Yorke believes the pair are capable of restoring United to greatness.

"I have to say I am a fan of Zlatan as well I think he has been tremendous [throughout his career] and certainly in his time at PSG he has been terrific," Yorke told Sky Sports News HQ.

"He seems to get better with age and he is relishing the opportunity of playing in the Premier League. He's been everywhere else and I am sure he would love to finish his career at Manchester United if given the chance.

"If Zlatan joins Manchester United under Mourinho I think it will be a huge step in the right direction to make Manchester United the No 1 club in the country once again."

Yorke is convinced Mourinho will re-invigorate United's squad and says the 53-year-old's track record in management suggests can get the best out of the players inherited from his predecessor Van Gaal.

"You only have to look at what he has achieved over his career to see that he certainly brings a winning formula," said Yorke, who won the treble with United in 1999.

"I think he will certainly put United back on top where they belong. He knows he has a challenge in terms of the players he has inherited from the Van Gaal regime but I think he will certainly get the best out of the players, which I don't think Van Gaal was able to do."

Yorke has previously stated his preference to succeed Van Gaal was former team-mate Ryan Giggs and the ex-Trinidad and Tobago international is keen to see the Welshman retained by the club in some capacity under Mourinho.

"Everyone knows my first choice was Giggsy and I thought he may have had the opportunity," Yorke said.

"Especially, when you look around in terms of other players who have come out of the game and been given the opportunity to manage such huge clubs, ie Zinedine Zidane, Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Diego Simeone with what he is doing at Atletico Madrid as well.

"You would have thought he may get the opportunity after three years as assistant and he's also been at the football club for nearly three decades. It's not to be but I think it's crucial they keep Giggsy at the club."

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Mourinho In Numbers

Manchester United's first words after the arrival of Jose Mourinho came from executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

"Jose is quite simply the best manager in the game today," said Woodward following Friday's confirmation that Mourinho would replace Louis van Gaal in the Old Trafford hotseat.

But do the statistics back that up? Here, we run through Mourinho's career in numbers - and it makes good reading for United fans...

6

Number of different clubs managed by the Portuguese, starting with Benfica in 2000. There have since been stints at Uniao de Leiria, Porto, Chelsea (two spells), Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

513

League games managed at his six different clubs.

32

Honours won, including two Champions Leagues, three Premier League titles, two Serie A crowns, one La Liga success and two Portuguese league wins.

5

Other trophies won during his time in English football with Chelsea - three League Cups, one FA Cup, one Community Shield.

87

Points earned by Mourinho's Chelsea side during ther last title winning-season in 2014-15. Seven months later he was sacked.

9

Defeats suffered by Chelsea in their first 16 Premier League matches of last season, prompting his dismissal.

1

Mourinho has suffered just a single loss to Manchester United in the Premier League.

8

Mourinho has won eight of his 12 Premier League games against Manchester United's fierce rivals Liverpool, losing only two.

57

Percentage of titles that Mourinho teams have challenged for have won.

95

Most points in a Premier League season, gained by Mourinho's Chelsea 2004/05.

29

Most wins in a season, gained by Mourinho's Chelsea in 2004/05 and 2005/06.

77

Longest Premier League run unbeaten run at home, 2004-14.

Trophies - 18

Porto - Primeira Liga: 2002-03, 2003-04; Cup of Portugal: 2003; UEFA Cup: 2003; Champions League: 2004

Chelsea - Premier League: 2004-05, 2005-06, 2014-15; FA Cup: 2007; Football League Cup: 2005, 2006, 2015

Inter Milan - Serie A: 2008-09, 2009-10; Coppa Italia: 2010; UEFA Champions League: 2010

Real Madrid: La Liga: 2011-12; Copa del Rey: 2011

League finishes

European Record

Matches: 140; Wins: 76; Draws: 35; Losses: 29; Win Rate: 54 per cent

Premier League Record

Matches: 212; Wins: 140; Draws: 44; Losses: 28; Win Rate: 66 per cent

Premier League win rates

Jose Mourinho 66 per cent
Sir Alex Ferguson 65 per cent
Carlo Ancelotti 63 per cent
Roberto Mancini 62 per cent
Manuel Pellegrini 61 per cent

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Mourinho & Man. United In Quotes

Jose Mourinho has been appointed as Manchester United's new manager.

The former Chelsea boss replaces Louis van Gaal and was confirmed on a three-year deal on Friday morning.

Mourinho's relationship with Manchester United dates back to his days as Porto manager. Here, we look at what they have said about each other over the years.

MOURINHO ON MAN UTD…

On Sir Alex Ferguson (December 2014): "Everything [makes him special]. His talent, the time he put his talent at the service of Manchester United and football in general. The passion that he has put in to everything, and after that in private moments, obviously, a good friend, a good person, a fantastic sense of humour. I like him very, very much."

On Old Trafford (October 2015): "I went there at Soccer Aid and enjoyed it. The stadium was full and even the players who were not footballers - the actors, singers, comedians - they were feeling the atmosphere in the stadium and enjoyed it so much that I enjoyed it too, and that was just a charity game. It's a place you have to enjoy."

On facing Man Utd with Real Madrid (March 2013): "It's always a privilege. Not just when you win. We all want to play against big opponents, big coaches, big players, big teams. Man Utd represents all of that."

On Louis Van Gaal (April 2015): "Van Gaal is a fantastic coach and they are more than ready. I consider him a big, big friend but because of jobs, fighting for the same objectives, we are not speaking every week. But the deep feelings towards a friend doesn't change."

On Ryan Giggs (May 2009): "What can you say about a man who has won 10 Premier League titles? The proof is in his medals. Yes, maybe we are talking about the greatest Premier League player of all time. At the very least no player has contributed so much to a single Premier League club as Ryan Giggs has to Manchester United."

On whether he was upset to be overlooked by United in 2013: "No. I am where I want to be. I wouldn't change it for anything."

On United's decision to appoint David Moyes (January 2014): "The club gave him an incredible trust when they chose him to be the next Man Utd manager after Sir Alex. It's a club with a fantastic culture. They believe in stability. They believe in the power of the manager. They believe in the support of the manager."

On United's struggles under David Moyes (February 2014): "I feel sorry for them, I never enjoy when somebody is having some problems like they have but United is United."

On possibility of signing Wayne Rooney for Real Madrid (October 2010): "He probably wants to leave for some reason but I believe he belongs to Man United, he belongs to Man United fans, he belongs to Old Trafford. But if at the end of the day Man United decide that he is to leave, then give me a call."

On his admiration for Rooney (July 2013): "He is a player I like very much but I can say no more than that. Being fast and direct, I like that, but he's a Manchester United player."

On Juan Mata (January 2014): "I feel sorry that I didn't make him happy, but football is football. I build a team around Oscar in that position and on the sides the other players are doing very, very well. Juan is not comfortable on the sides. He tried very hard and he did very well in some matches, but it's not his natural habitat. So when a club like Man United comes and for sure they told him he's going to play in his favourite position and he wants to go, he goes."

MAN UTD ON MOURINHO…

Ferguson on Mourinho's 'Special One' press conference in 2004: "When I watched his press conference and he called himself the Special One, I thought, 'I'm not taking him on'. He was charismatic, young and the media loved him, so there was nothing to be gained from taking him on."

Ferguson on Chelsea's decision to sack Mourinho in 2007: "It is a disappointment for the game. He was terrific for football and terrific for Chelsea. I enjoyed the competition with him. He was something fresh and new to our game. I don't know what I will do with my wine now. I wish him well."

David Beckham: "He's still one of the best managers and I hope he comes back to the Premier League as soon as possible because at the end of the day the Premier League is the Premier League for the great players that we bring in, the great teams, the money, the fans and the great characters that we have as managers. You want to see managers like that in the game."

Ferguson on Mourinho's character in 2011: "I look at Jose and I see myself reflected in many of the things he does. In the first year at Chelsea when I saw him running along the touchline at Old Trafford, he reminded me of my first years at Aberdeen jumping, raising my arms, celebrating. We're only human. We can't hide our emotions. They're always there, they're part of who we are, of our character."

Sir Bobby Charlton on Mourinho's eye-poke on Tito Vilanova in 2011: "A United manager wouldn't do that. Mourinho is a really good coach but that's as far as I would go really. He pontificates too much for my liking. He's a good manager, though."

Steve Bruce: "Listen, Jose Mourinho is, without doubt, bordering on greatness. When you talk about the great managers, he will be one of them."

Ferguson on the possibility of Mourinho managing Man Utd in 2012: "He can manage anywhere. I'm not going to put any forecasts on what is going to happen at this club. I won't last forever, but Jose can manage anywhere, there is no question about that."

Bastian Schweinsteiger: "The enthusiasm for football in Manchester is great and, if Mourinho does take over at United, I think all of the players want to train under him so it's going to be quite a special season."

Eric Cantona: "I love his personality, I love the passion he has for the game, his humour. He is very intelligent, he demands 100 per cent of his players. And of course he wins things. But I don't think it's the type of football that the fans of Manchester United will love, even if they win. He can win with Manchester United. But do they expect that type of football, even if they win? I don't think so."

Ferguson on whether Chelsea should sack Mourinho last season: "He has to trust and have confidence that Jose can turn it around. There is no point in sacking one of the best coaches of all time. He has won the European Cup twice, won the league in each country he has managed in, won the big trophies. It would be foolish to take that step to sack him. That would be bad management. It's not leadership."

Juan Mata on his relationship with Mourinho at Chelsea: "For better or for worse, we had no relationship, there was no dialogue. I was not happy, but always gave the most and respected my colleagues. You never know what will happen in life."

Peter Schmeichel: "I hope Mourinho is the right man. Jose's been at big clubs and had success. He's won something at every club he's been at, and he'll be expected to do it again."

Rio Ferdinand: "He's a top manager, someone who's got great experience, he's a born winner. So for him to be in the market and not be interested in him, I don't think that's wise."

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Henry: Mourinho's Arrival Heralds A 'New Era' At Manchester United

Sky Sports football expert Thierry Henry says the appointment of Jose Mourinho as Manchester United manager marks the “start of a new era” for the club.

Mourinho signed a contract to become United boss on Thursday afternoon and Henry believes the Portuguese will offer a massive boost to United and the Premier League.

"I think it's great for the league and great for Manchester United. It's a new era now," he told SSNHQ.

"We all know what Jose Mourinho can do and it was clear they were always going to go for him.

"There's no need to talk about how good he can be, we all know he can be amazing. Everyone now at United is dying for success and that's personally what I associate them with.

"He has a certain way of playing and people might not say it's the United way or be concerned about the youngsters.

"He has to carry on with the young guys that have done well this year - Marcus Rashford, you can't stop that.

"A lot of the time at Real Madrid his teams outscored Barcelona. It's about winning for United at the moment - the fans want instant success and he can give them that."

United's failure to qualify for the Champions League had raised fears they may struggle to sign the players they wanted over the summer.

But Henry is convinced the attraction of having Mourinho at the helm, even if he can only offer Europa League football next season, will continue to lure big-name players to Old Trafford.

"Because they haven't made the top four it will have made it more difficult to attract big players but with Mourinho, they can probably now attract the players they want," added Henry.

"It would be a no-brainer to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic. When he goes on the field, he's an animal but out of it he's a class act and so professional.

"He'd be a big success for Manchester United."

Former Barcelona player Henry is also intrigued by the renewal of old rivalries between Mourinho and Pep Guardiola - who he played under at the Nou Camp - and who will manage Manchester City next season.

"City and United is already a massive rivalry but even more now with Jose and Pep involved," said Henry.

"It's going to be a nice one and I'm looking forward to it."

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Carragher: Mourinho Will Turn Manchester United Back Into Winners

Manchester United will soon be Premier League title challengers under Jose Mourinho and their rivals should be worried, says Jamie Carragher.

United last won the English top flight in 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson and have stuttered ever since with David Moyes and Louis van Gaal unable to reignite their fortunes.

Following the news on Thursday evening that Mourinho had signed his contract to become the new boss, Carragher believes the Portuguese will have the team pushing for silverware again.

The Sky Sports football expert told Sky Sports News HQ: "He'll have the same impact he's had with every team. It was a bit different at Chelsea with the way he finished there but that will make him doubly determined to make that right and that bodes well for United.

"Next season, you'd expect them to be challenging for honours. You can't win something every season - even Mourinho doesn't do that. The disappointing thing for United is that since Sir Alex Ferguson left they haven't really competed for top honours but they certainly will do next season.

"If you look of his time at Chelsea, he said it would take them 12 months and that he should be judged in the second season. It will be similar at United. They've got a chance of winning the league in his first season but they would have to bring in the right players in the summer.

"There's no doubt that in 12 months he'll be turning that squad into title challengers and after a year then maybe even title winners. The next season they could still win of course - you can't put that past Jose Mourinho."

Asked if the former Real Madrid boss had a point to prove, Carragher added: "Yes I think so. He's a very competitive man and he's always got a point to prove in every job.

"He wasn't used to what happened last season at Chelsea - nobody was used to seeing that - but he will be so determined to put that right and that's something to worry about for rest of the Premier League."

Mourinho is likely to be handed a large budget to restore the Old Trafford team to winnings ways and Carragher does not believe a huge overhaul is needed.

"For United, it's never as bad as it seems," the former Liverpool defender said. "They were close to a top-four spot and won the FA Cup. They are not that far away.

"Two or three top players can make a massive difference At Chelsea, Mourinho brought in Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa and he took the team to another level. Three or four additions would put them well on the way."

One big positive to come out of Van Gaal's two-year reign was the introduction of academy players, with Marcus Rashford in particular a blossoming talent who is now set for his England debut.

Asked if Rashford should fear the arrival of Mourinho, Carragher said: "As a young player, you're always concerned and Van Gaal thought highly of him.

"But now he's got to prove himself again. But if he continues in the same vein of form, he will be fine. The way he's playing, you can't leave him out no matter who the manager is.

"The most important thing is for United is to start competing for trophies and there's no one better on the market for doing that than Jose Mourinho."

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United's Title Odds Slashed

Sky Bet have slashed Manchester United's Premier League title odds following the appointment of Jose Mourinho.

The arrival of the former Chelsea manager is deemed to have significantly boosted United's chances of securing silverware next season, with their title odds cut from 8/1 to 9/2, while they are now odds-on (from 11/10) for a top-four finish.

The shift sees United considered third favourites to be crowned champions behind Manchester City (13/8) and Chelsea (5/1), with their price shorter than Arsenal (6/1), Tottenham (7/1), Liverpool (8/1) and Leicester (25/1).

The 'Special One' won the Premier League and the League Cup in both of his first full campaigns at Stamford Bridge and is 28/1 to repeat that feat next season at Old Trafford, while his new side have been trimmed from 11/1 to 10/1 to win the Europa League.

Sky Bet's Dale Tempest said: "Some might see it as an overreaction to cut United's odds so much but we're not willing to underestimate the impact of a man who has secured silverware everywhere he has gone since Porto handed him a chance.

"The big question now is who he will look to bring in. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is well odds-on to head to Old Trafford in our Transfer Specials, but a return for Cristiano Ronaldo looks far less likely.

"It's another huge shift in the betting without a ball being kicked, with Newcastle's promotion odds plummeting on the back of the confirmation that Rafael Benitez is going to remain at St James' Park."

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Is Jose Mourinho Still The Special One?

Jose Mourinho arrives at Manchester United as a serial winner.

The 53-year-old's acrimonious exit from Chelsea in December and the debate about whether his style of play is the 'United way' has not clouded the fact the Portuguese virtually guarantees trophies.

In guiding Chelsea to their fourth Premier League title in 2014-15, Mourinho secured the 22nd trophy of his career.

Since taking charge of Porto in 2002, the self-proclaimed 'Special One' has swept all before him - both domestically and in European competition.

While still well behind Sir Alex Ferguson's record of 13 Premier League titles, the range of silverware in Mourinho's trophy cabinet is no less impressive.

The former Chelsea boss has won the league in four different countries, lifted the European Cup with two clubs, won a Uefa Cup, an FA Cup and three League Cups, as well as securing an array of domestic cups in Portugal, Italy and Spain.

Still the best ever?

Despite a disastrous last season at Chelsea, losing nine of the first 16 league games and departing in December with the team just one point above the relegation zone, Mourinho's win percentage is still better than any manager in Premier League history.

Combining his two spells in England, he won 140 of 212 Premier League games, a win percentage of 66%.

Favourite opposition?

United fans will no doubt be delighted to read that, while at Chelsea, Mourinho had more victories against Liverpool than any other club in the league, having won eight of 12 games against the Merseyside club.

Big-game dominance

Mourinho's record against his title rivals is what has set him apart from the opposition.

Out of 44 Premier League games against Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal, Mourinho lost just five times.

Mourinho's 'bogey teams'

While the Portuguese has an impressive record against sides challenging for the title, he has not fared as well against clubs from the north east.

Newcastle United are the only team to have defeated Mourinho's Chelsea three times.

Middlesbrough, who earlier this month gained promotion to the Premier League after a seven-year absence, beat the Blues twice in 2006.

Produced by Nassos Stylianou

All data supplied by Opta

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What Football Legends Say About Jose

Sir Alex Ferguson is among several high-profile figures to have praised Jose Mourinho in the past, [previously describing the Portuguese coach as "a spectacular manager".

The 53-year-old - who was confirmed as the new Manchester United manager on Friday - has enjoyed successful spells in charge of some of the world's biggest clubs, winning the Champions League with Porto and Inter Milan, as well as three Premier League titles in two stints with Chelsea.

Mourinho's achievements have led to him lauded by players, pundits and footballing legends alike, and we've compiled some of the best quotes about the new United boss...

"The success that Jose Mourinho achieved during his first season at Chelsea in 2004/05, when he won the Premier League and League Cup, was mainly due to his stubbornness, the determined manner he scratched out victories and the fact that he had his players believing he was the Messiah. He is a great leader and spectacular manager who has achieved major triumphs in four different countries. It's hard to think of anyone else who has done that." - Sir Alex Ferguson in Leading, his book on management*.

“In his first year we won the Scudetto. He gave us his great mentality and in every arena we walked into his strength prevailed.” - Javier Zanetti, speaking to Inter Channel.

“I would put him at the top, I always say that. He’s a good coach, he did many good things and won many trophies for other clubs.” - Cristiano Ronaldo, speaking to BT Sport.

“Thank you doesn’t seem enough. The very best I’ve ever worked with.” - John Terry, in a tweet following Mourinho’s depature from Chelsea.

“I think Mourinho is the perfect coach to train United. I worked with him when he was starting in football. At that time, we had fantastic players and one young coach like Mourinho giving us everything us he knows. We won everything we could. The memories are good and he was the best coach that I had.” – Deco, speaking to Omnisport.

“Mourinho is a powerhouse. In football we have powerhouses who are players, and ever since I met Mourinho, we can say that there are powerhouses who are managers. And he certainly is, without any doubt at all. He is a very special person for me. As a coach he is incredible, number one. It was he who gave me confidence, and I enjoyed playing football like never before. And as a person he reaches you much more than in his role as coach.” – Wesley Sneijder, speaking to Marca.

“Jose Mourinho is the best manager I have played under. He is a true person, a 100 per cent true person and that for me is the first quality you must have if you want to be a manager. He’s an excellent motivator, a good strategist and a great manager.” – Marco Materazzi, speaking to Sky Sports.

“Mourinho would become a guy I was basically willing to die for.” – Zlatan Ibrahimovic in his book, I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

*The paperback edition of 'Leading' by Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Michael Moritz.

United Legends Endorse Jose Mourinho

A host of Manchester United legends have welcomed Friday’s confirmation that Jose Mourinho will take over as manager of Manchester United from the 2016/17 season...

Rio Ferdinand on Facebook: "This is Jose Mourinho's most exciting and most challenging job yet. The first thing he needs to do is install a 'winning mentality' back into the club. Get this ingredient back into the players but also the people that work inside the club day to day. Give them back that belief so it is breathing throughout the club again, which is so important."

Phil Neville to ManUtd.com: "When I saw the photo of him holding up the Manchester United shirt, dressed in his black suit, black tie and crisp white shirt, I thought he just looked like a Manchester United manager. He looked like the perfect fit. Obviously you see Jose on the sidelines with his jacket on, but when he was stood there in that suit with the shirt, it just looked right. I think every United fan has got to be excited about the coming season."

Ray Wilkins on MUTV: "I am delighted for both him and Manchester United because you have a got a proper winner. Wherever he has been, he has been absolutely magnificent and he has won. That is the important thing and United needs to get back where it belongs. That is the top of the Premier League. I believe he will win a major trophy within the next two years, if he is allowed to bring in the type of player that he requires."

Dwight Yorke to Sky Sports News: "We want to be the number one club in the Premier League and he knows he has a challenge in terms of the players he has inherited from the van Gaal regime. But a manager of his status at such a high-profile club will certainly get the best out of the players. There is no doubt in my mind that Mourinho will bring a winning mentality to the football club."

Lou Macari on MUTV: "His idea about football is simple – he wants to win games and he will want Manchester United to be at the top of everything. In Europe, he has got to get us back into the Champions League and he has to build a side that can do well in the Champions League. There is a lot of hard work ahead, but I do think he is in the right place at the right time."

Paddy Crerand on MUTV: "When we interviewed Jose in 2013, when he was the manager of Real Madrid, I thought he was desperate for the job back then. He loved it here and he lit up. When they beat us, he walked away sheepishly as he was fortunate to win the game. But I always got the impression that he wanted to come to Old Trafford."

Andy Ritchie on MUTV: "It is official and it’s absolutely brilliant news. I think Jose has coveted the job for quite some time and it looks like he is ready and eager to get back into the rigmarole again. I am sure he will bring a new zest and a new image to the club. He wanted the job and he wants to take us forward. He is here and he is a massive, massive name in football and a massive character."

Jesper Blomqvist on MUTV: "I think he is a very smart manager. He will also see how United as a club has worked throughout history and he will take that into account when thinking about his new goals, how he wants United to play and everything else."

Andy Cole on MUTV: "I think he will do a fantastic job. He has something to prove as an individual and he will try to get Manchester United, one of the biggest powerhouses in football, back on the right track. Hopefully it will be a marriage made in heaven and we can start competing again."

Quinton Fortune on MUTV: "I played against his team when he was at Chelsea; they were very difficult to break down. I was also fortunate to meet him a few years ago when we played the Real Madrid legends and he came into the changing room. He spent 15 minutes with us and you could see his nature, it was very nice of him. He is possibly the best manager in the world and I'm excited."

Mourinho's Record Against Man. United

If the statistics are anything to go by, Manchester United will be delighted to have Jose Mourinho in the home dugout in 2016/17, following confirmation of his appointment as the new Reds manager.

The former Chelsea coach has been a familiar and successful opponent since famously bursting (or literally sprinting) onto the scene as Porto boss in 2004, and now takes over the reins at Old Trafford.

Mourinho has faced the Reds on 20 occasions in all competitions as an opposition manager - presiding over nine wins, nine draws and just two defeats. Here's our reminder of how he's fared against United with four different clubs:

Porto

Though it would ultimately end in disappointment for United fans, Jose’s first clash against the Reds was a significant one. Two Benny McCarthy strikes in Portugal meant Sir Alex Ferguson's men had to overturn a 2-1 first-leg deficit to progress to the Champions League quarter-finals but when Paul Scholes scored 32 minutes into the return fixture, it seemed United would at least go through on away goals. However, Mourinho had other ideas and when his defensive midfielder Costinha seized upon a Tim Howard error to level the match late on, the coach went running down the touchline at Old Trafford to celebrate Porto's 3-2 aggregate win. If Reds fans hadn't heard of Jose before, they certainly had now, and he gained greater fame of course by leading his team all the way to glory in the competition later that season.

Chelsea

Unsurprisingly, Mourinho's Champions League heroics hadn't gone unnoticed and he was quickly snapped up by Roman Abramovich and Chelsea, a move which led to him facing United again on the opening day of the new 2004/05 Premier League season. The meeting at Stamford Bridge was the first of four between the sides during Jose's maiden campaign in this country, and ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for 'The Special One', courtesy of Eidur Gudjohnsen's early goal. The Reds returned to West London in January for the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final and did enough to hold Chelsea 0-0, but Mourinho would again have the last laugh with a late goal at the Theatre of Dreams. Damien Duff's winner meant United lost 2-1 and were knocked out and the Blues went on to lift Mourinho's first trophy with the club. The Portuguese manager had added the Premier League title to his collection by the time he faced the Reds again in May, when his team won 3-1 at Old Trafford as if to underline their status as the new kings.

Plaudits for Mourinho were growing by the month. By the time the sides next met, in November 2005, Chelsea were unbeaten in 40 games. The Reds would finally record a win against Jose, though, as Darren Fletcher headed home to give Sir Alex three points on the 19th anniversary of his appointment. It was a different story in the reverse fixture, as Mourinho secured a second successive title with a 3-0 victory at the Bridge. The teams played out two draws during the 2006/07 season as United reclaimed the title, making an FA Cup final meeting between the sides all the more intriguing. In the end, Didier Drogba's extra-time goal denied the Reds another Double and set up a repeat contest in the Community Shield, a 1-1 draw with United winning on penalties. It would be Mourinho's last match against his future club for almost two years.

Inter Milan

After a successful first season in Italy, Mourinho declared his wishes had been granted when his Inter side were paired with United in a Champions League last-16 tie in February 2009. Jose had earned a reputation for building well-organised teams, something which was evident during a first-leg stalemate in Milan, but this time the Reds would progress, with goals from Nemanja Vidic and Cristiano Ronaldo enough to see United through, 2-0 at Old Trafford. Mourinho would, of course, go on to win the tournament with Inter the following season, before moving to Real Madrid, where Ronaldo was now his player to deploy.

Real Madrid

United and Mourinho wouldn't meet again until February 2013, when both sides were bidding to reach the last eight of Europe's premier competition. Jose had work to do after the Reds came away from the first leg at the Bernabeu with a precious away goal, scored by Danny Welbeck. Mourinho's return to Old Trafford would be a controversial one, as Nani was harshly dismissed by referee Cuneyt Cakir, paving the way for the visitors to produce a comeback. The Portuguese boss's tactical reaction to the red card proved inspired, as substitute Luka Modric levelled before Ronaldo grabbed the winner against his old side. Another victory for Mourinho then, although he'd later admit "the best team lost".

Chelsea

Later that year, in June 2013, it was confirmed Mourinho would return for a second spell at Chelsea. Back in the opposition dugout at Old Trafford for an eighth time in August, a 0-0 draw against David Moyes' United proved much less eventful than his previous visit. Strong home form had also become a trait associated with Mourinho's teams, and the Blues would put a dent in United's top-four hopes with a 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge in the New Year, thanks to a hat-trick from Samuel Eto'o. After a third-placed finish, Jose and Chelsea came back to Manchester in 2014/15 in the hope of claiming a first title since 2010. The Londoners were on course for an important three points until Robin van Persie hammered home an equaliser deep into injury time. It was a result which did little to derail Chelsea's title charge, and Mourinho's men moved ten points clear with a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture in mid-April. A serial winner, the Premier League trophy would be his again, and United fans will hope Jose can further add to his silverware collection over the next few years.

Mourinho's record against United in full: P 20 | W 9 | D 9 | L 2 | F 23 | A 13

Credit: Manutd.com

Mourinho's Road To Man. United

It has been quite a journey for new Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

Here is a man who ascended from a coaching role in schools football to the status of arguably the world's most recognisable football manager, winning the league in four different countries and landing the greatest prize of all, the UEFA Champions League, with two different clubs. And now, the next instalment of this fascinating story is set to play out at the Theatre of Dreams.

The son of a Portuguese goalkeeper, football was in Mourinho’s blood but instead of following his father into the professional game, he pursued an academic path at first, studying sports science at university and later teaching in schools while also working as a youth team coach. Then, in 1992, he became Sir Bobby Robson’s interpreter at Sporting Lisbon and the pair quickly forged a master and apprentice relationship, which continued when the former England manager moved on to Barcelona in 1996.

Robson left the Catalan club a year later but as a valued member of the backroom staff, Mourinho remained at Camp Nou to work under the newly-appointed Louis van Gaal, who gave him the responsibility of managing the A and B teams. Barça legend Xavi was coming through the ranks at that time, and was instantly impressed by Mourinho. “He was excellent in his three years at Barça,” said Xavi recently. “They said he was a translator. Rubbish. He was the assistant coach, someone who understood the philosophy of Barça. He was very respected by the players. I'm surprised that he became known for another type of football, more defensive, because he wasn't like that with us.”

With his reputation growing within football, Mourinho returned home to manage Portuguese giants Benfica in September 2000 and this proved to be short lived, but his second job as boss of Uniao de Leiria was later a great success.

FC Porto were next up and this was a match made in heaven. Most importantly, it required the club to make room in their trophy cabinet for a fresh haul of prizes that included the 2004 Champions League, after Mourinho followed up his preceding UEFA Cup success by lifting club football's biggest prize. It was also that triumph that truly introduced Mourinho to an English audience, after he chose celebrate a knockout stage win over United with a wild sprint down the touchline at Old Trafford.

Guiding a Portuguese team to the Champions League did not go unnoticed and Mourinho joined Chelsea that summer, with Blues owner Roman Abramovich ready to fund his every wish. The press conference to unveil him went down in history, too, following a now iconic quote that famously earned his ‘Special One’ moniker. “Please do not call me arrogant because what I say is true,” Jose told reporters. “I’m European champion, I’m not one out of the bottle. I think I’m a special one.”

The allure of Mourinho is that he often follows up such bold statements and, true to his word, back-to-back Premier League titles were claimed at Stamford Bridge, as well as two League Cups and the 2007 FA Cup (when he beat United). All this success made his departure from Chelsea all the more surprising - he parted company with the Blues for the first time in September 2007, just days before his team played at Old Trafford.

Mourinho’s next job was at Inter Milan and, during another lively unveiling, he spoke entirely in Italian while claiming he had learned the language in just three weeks. It was a typically confident start and his reign at the San Siro resulted in unprecedented success by winning two Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana and the 2010 Champions League.

He also struck up a crucial alliance with temperamental star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. “He’s the leader of his army,” the Swede later wrote in his autobiography. “But he cares, too. He would text me all the time, wondering how I was doing. Mourinho would eventually become a guy I was basically willing to die for.”

In 2010, Mourinho joined Real Madrid to help Los Blancos end a run of underachievement that was inextricably linked to Barcelona’s period of dominance under Pep Guardiola. Despite taking on arguably the most pressurised job in the game, and going head-to-head with a team many claimed were the greatest club side in history, Jose remained calm and even had another eye-catching quote for reporters.

“The more pressure there is, the stronger I am," he said. "In Portugal, we say the bigger the ship, the stronger the storm. Fortunately for me, I have always been in big ships. FC Porto was a very big ship in Portugal, Chelsea was also a big ship in England and Inter was a great ship in Italy. Now I’m at Real Madrid, which is considered the biggest ship on the planet.”

Real finished second in La Liga under Mourinho’s guidance in 2010/11, but won the title at the second attempt in 2011/12 when the Portuguese’s side set club records by registering 100 points and scoring 121 league goals, 46 of them coming from his countryman Cristiano Ronaldo.

It’s worth noting that while the Messi-inspired Barcelona still had the critics purring about their brand of football, Mourinho’s Real Madrid outscored Barça in two of his three seasons in La Liga. He also claimed the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup trophies, but frustratingly failed to advance beyond the semi-finals of the Champions League during his stint at the Bernabeu.

Mourinho made an emotional return to Chelsea in 2013, this time declaring himself to be "The Happy One", and he quickly constructed another great side at Stamford Bridge. In his second campaign back at the club, 2014/15, the Blues won the title by eight points, as well as the Capital One Cup. After a difficult start to the title defence, with just four wins in the first 16 Barclays Premier League games, Mourinho's second Chelsea reign came to an end in December 2015.

Now, after a period of rest and recuperation, Jose Mourinho, the man with an enduring desire to win, has been unveiled as the new manager of Manchester United. At a club that is famed for its cinematic history, the stage is set for football’s leading man to grab the spotlight once more.

Mourinho's Most Memorable Quotes

Jose Mourinho has proven to be one of the most quotable football managers of the 21st century – here we collect some of his thoughts on the game...

“I think the best place to work is England.”

“I feel I have a lot to learn from English football and I am completely open to good influences in my way of thinking football. But I also have things to give them.”

“I hate to talk about individuals. Players don’t win you trophies, teams win trophies, squads win trophies.”

“Football is a game about feelings and intelligence.”

“Because of the passion of every English player and every English supporter and every English journalist for the game, most of the game is played with passion, love for football and instinct, but in football you also have to think.”

“I would rather play with 10 men than wait for the player who is late for the bus.”

“I’m a coach, I’m not Harry Potter. He is magical but in reality, there is no magic. Magic is fiction and football is real.”

"If I wanted to have an easy job I would have stayed at Porto. Beautiful blue chair, the UEFA Champions League trophy, God, and after God, me.”

“I think everybody has to be ready to sacrifice for the team, to give everything for the team, to think about the team, not to be selfish.”

"Like me or not, I am the only one who has won the world’s three most important leagues. So, maybe instead of the ‘Special One’, people should start calling me the ‘Only One’."

And finally...

“Old Trafford is a phenomenal place to play football. I have played here with every one of my clubs – Porto, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Real Madrid. I have played here in the Premier League, Champions League and in the cups as well. I have been here so many times and in so many different circumstances and I always love it.”

Mourinho Appointed United Manager

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.

Announcing the appointment, Ed Woodward said: "José is quite simply the best manager in the game today. 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."

José Mourinho 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."

Credit: Manutd.com

Zlatan: I Have Made My Decision

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he has already decided what his next move will be - and Sky sources understand Manchester United are the only Premier League option he has considered.

Ibrahimovic is a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and he confirmed on Thursday that he has had "concrete offers" from England, Italy and other clubs including some outside of Europe.

Sky Sports News HQ understands he has also been considering an offer from China and that United are not prepared to match the financial terms Ibrahimovic can earn from an unnamed Super League club, worth £53m over two seasons.

But the Sweden striker says he decided his next club "a long time ago" and spoke in glowing terms of soon-to-be Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, who worked with him at Inter Milan.

He told a press conference in Stockholm: "I know what I want. The future is already written. I made my decision a long time ago.

"There are concrete offers from England, Italy and other countries, including outside of Europe. Nothing is happening right now. It's the European Championship that's happening.

"I think it's a great move [for Manchester United to bring in Mourinho]. I believe he is the man to bring them back to the top. If you want to win, you bring Mourinho.

"I have spoken to Mourinho every day since I left Inter, so there is no secret. I had a great relationship with Mourinho and a fantastic time when I was working with him.

"I don't know if I will work with him again. Let's see how it plays out."

Mourinho believes Ibrahimovic can still make an impact at Old Trafford despite his age - he turns 35 in October - while United see obvious appeal in marketing terms, due to his global fan base and iconic status in the modern game.

And Ibrahimovic insists he can cut it in the Premier League after he is finished having "fun" at Euro 2016 in France.

The 34-year-old said: "I am only warming up. I had a great season. I proved that age is just a number. Everything is in your head. If I want to do it, I will do it.

"I am looking forward to the games. Training is going good and I am not feeling my calf. We have the warm-up games, then to France, where the fun begins.

"It does not matter that [my future] is done before the Euros because it would already be done. I only need to push the button. There is time.

"I want to enjoy what you are writing. There is a lot being written. According to someone it would have been done in 48 hours, another said it was 90 per cent, another 10 per cent.

"It is fun finding out who the rat is; who is talking."

Should United sign Ibrahimovic, the money they could expect to make in shirt sales and other marketing ventures would go some way to offsetting his sizable wage demands, which are reportedly in the region of £11.4m.

However, Chinese clubs have demonstrated their immense spending power in recent months, and one club has been able to offer a contract that would pay him £26.6m per season.

The decision for Ibrahimovic is whether his motivation is financial, or the opportunity to add to his already impressive footballing legacy. He has won league titles in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France, and he could potentially add a Premier League title to his considerable CV by joining Manchester United.

While Mourinho and Ibrahimovic clashed at times when they worked together at Inter Milan between 2008 and 2009, with Ibrahimovic firing in 25 goals as Inter won the Serie A title, they subsequently formed a strong bond.

Credit: Skysports.com