Dubai: So, the gauntlet is now firmly down.
Manchester United have taken the biggest step in recent history by committing to the Jose Mourinho cause. The volatile Portuguese put pen to paper on a contract extension, keeping him at Old Trafford until 2020.
“I feel and trust that I am the right manager for this great club for the foreseeable future,” he said after the announcement on Thursday.
“We made now the decision to make it clear for everyone that it is not for three (years), it is for four or five, and who knows, more.”
Many see the coach as unsuited to United as he is a bit of a maverick with a chequered history when it comes to run-ins with officials and club hierarchy.
But the man wins matches and wins trophies.
Friday’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Yeovil Town was his 100th match in charge of United, giving him a 62 per cent victory return (I like easy calculations).
That is better than Sir Alex Ferguson (59.7 per cent) and Sir Matt Busby (51 per cent in two stints).
With Champions League trophies and domestic titles in the bag, he came to Old Trafford with a reputation as clearly one of the best managers around. He also brought baggage. An acrimonious departure from Chelsea and a poor first season did not help his cause.
But he seems to have weathered the storm and the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal has illustrated the United commitment to his long-term plans.I fully expect more silverware from the “Privileged One” at United, and that could come this season in the form of the FA Cup or the Champions League now he has the players on board that he wants to take the team forward.
As far as the Premier League title goes, it may be too much to ask this time around, but they will be up there next season.
Manchester City and Chelsea need to take note…
