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Manchester United boss José Mourinho has signed a contract extension at Old Trafford. His previous deal was due to expire at the end of next season, though the Portuguese tactician is now set to remain at the club until at least 2020, with the option for a further year.
Quoted on the United website, Mourinho said:
“I am really honoured and proud to be Manchester United manager. I would like to say a big thank you to the owners and to Mr Woodward for the recognition of my hard work and dedication. I am delighted they feel and trust that I am the right manager for this great club for the foreseeable future.
“We have set very high standards - winning three trophies in one season - but those are the standards I expect my teams to aim for. We are creating the conditions for a brilliant and successful future for Manchester United.
“My thanks, of course, go to my staff and to my players; without their empathy and friendship this wouldn’t be possible. 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.
“And I cannot finish without thanking the fans for their support and for making me feel at home so quickly. I repeat, to be Manchester United manager is an honour every day and I am really happy.”
Given that Mourinho’s managerial style has traditionally been of the smash-and-grab variety, it’s interesting to see him committing to the United ‘project’ for the long haul. He’s never before lasted longer than three years at a club, though he’s now presumably realised that if he is to bring success to United, it’s going to take some time.
The extension has to be good news for United. It’s true that in spite of the EFL Cup and Europa League trophies he swept up in his first season at Old Trafford, Mourinho hasn’t brought the instant glory we’d hoped for. But there are few managers in world football with the experience and track record to match his, and it makes little sense to even consider a change for the time being.