January 26 – Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has signed a contract extension until 2020, with the option of a further year.
Mourinho said he was “delighted” that United “feel and trust that I am the right manager for this great club for the foreseeable future”.
The self-styled Special One, appointed as Louis van Gaal’s successor in May 2016, won the League Cup and Europa League in his first season at Old Trafford and says he feels “a privileged one” to be at United following a rollercoaster ride at previous clubs Chelsea and real Madrid.
“My initial contract was three years, we made now the decision to make it clear for everyone that it is not for three, it is for four or five, and who knows, more.”
Mourinho, appointed as Louis van Gaal’s successor in May 2016, won the League Cup and Europa League in his first season. United are currently second in the Premier League, behind runaway leaders Manchester City, with the club still in the Champions League and FA Cup.
If Mourinho does stay at United until 2020, it will be his longest single spell in charge of a team. “We have set very high standards – winning three trophies in one season – but those are the standards I expect my teams to aim for,” said Mourinho whose style and personality have long divided opinion but whose success rate in terms of trophies is highly impressive.
“We are creating the conditions for a brilliant and successful future for Manchester United. I love my players and it is a pleasure to know that we are going to be together for at least the next three years.”
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