Mourinho: Why I Fell For United

Jose Mourinho has identified the factors that made him "fall in love" with Manchester United as he moves into the second half of his maiden campaign as the Reds' manager.

In an exclusive conversation with MUTV, Mourinho reflected on his first six months at the United helm and revealed what excites him most about the role. But it was his passionate and open admiration for the supporters which stood out as he explained his affinity for the club.

"Well, the thing that made me immediately feel deeply about the club and the people, and the desire to work for the people, is the people," he said, in an exclusive interview recorded during the Christmas period.

"The [people are the] typical Manchester United supporters, the ones that have unbelievable memories of the past, but know the realities of the moment. The ones who keep the expectations for the future but understand the road to arrive there and are always supporting the team, even in the bad moments we have had.

"That, for me, is the most significant thing because it’s the thing that makes you fall in love with a new club. I think that’s the thing that touched me more."

The supporters were not the only people to receive appreciation from Mourinho - he also expressed how pleased he is with his squad as he works with them to push United back towards the summit of the game.

“I like my players very, very much," he added. "Not just the players, but the combinations between the players as people. They are very good guys and I love to work with them.

"I love my group so I’m really happy. And at the top of that is the challenge of bringing Manchester United Football Club to the space that it belongs. So I’m really happy."