Four days after sacking Louis van Gaal as their manager, club hierarchy have officially announced Jose Mourinho as the Manchester United new boss.
The Portuguese has penned a three-year deal with the Old Trafford side, with them believing he’s the right man to lead them back to glory. For some time now, online sportsbooks have given Mourinho favourite odds to sign with Man United, while other candidates were not really considered as realistic options as this time. Ever since Sir Alex Ferguson retired from his managerial post in 2013, the club have struggled to compete for top trophies and have been left out of Champions League football twice to date.
Club CEO Ed Woodward highlighted “The Special One’s” impressive resume and massive influence he’s had on the teams he had managed over the years both in England and abroad.
“Jose is quite 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,” said Woodward of the Manchester United new boss. “I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome him to Manchester United. His track record of success is ideal to take the club forward.”
Mourinho himself described Manchester United as another breed of club that has a certain “mystique” and “romance” surrounding it. “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,” said the 53-year-old.
(Image credit: Independent)
The Manchester United new boss also added that he’s always enjoyed a deep connection with the club, while over the years he’s managed to build a great relationship with the Red Devils’ support. “I have always felt an affinity with Old Trafford; it has hosted some important memories for me in my career and I have always enjoyed a rapport with the United fans. I’m looking forward to being their manager and enjoying their magnificent support in the coming years,” Mourinho said.
Rio Ferdinand, former defender that represented the Red Devils for 12 years (2002-2014), strongly supports the appointment of the Portuguese as the Manchester United new boss, according to the Independent.
“Congratulations to Jose on being announced manager of the biggest club in the world! This is Jose Mourinho’s most exciting & most challenging job yet,” Ferdinand remarked. “One thing I can tell Manchester United fans is that they have go themselves a true winner in all aspects. His CV shows success,” said the 37-year-old former defender.
With Jose Mourinho’s appointment as Manchester United new boss, online sportsbook Betway gives the Old Trafford side second-favourite odds 5.50 (9/2) to win the Premier League next season. Their cross-town rivals Man City, who will be led by Mourinho’s former nemesis Pep Guardiola imminently, are the favourites to win the title 3.00 (2/1). Arsenal 7.00 (6/1) and Chelsea 7.50 (13/2) have been dealt underdog chances by the online sportsbook.
(Check out Betting Herald’s online sportsbook section for more info about Betway Sports Review.)