Jose Mourinho and Man Utd: What they have said about each other

Jose Mourinho has been appointed as Manchester United's new manager.

The former Chelsea boss replaces Louis van Gaal and was confirmed on a three-year deal on Friday morning.

Mourinho's relationship with Manchester United dates back to his days as Porto manager. Here, we look at what they have said about each other over the years.

MOURINHO ON MAN UTD…

On Sir Alex Ferguson (December 2014): "Everything [makes him special]. His talent, the time he put his talent at the service of Manchester United and football in general. The passion that he has put in to everything, and after that in private moments, obviously, a good friend, a good person, a fantastic sense of humour. I like him very, very much." 

On Old Trafford (October 2015): "I went there at Soccer Aid and enjoyed it. The stadium was full and even the players who were not footballers - the actors, singers, comedians - they were feeling the atmosphere in the stadium and enjoyed it so much that I enjoyed it too, and that was just a charity game. It's a place you have to enjoy."

On facing Man Utd with Real Madrid (March 2013): "It's always a privilege. Not just when you win. We all want to play against big opponents, big coaches, big players, big teams. Man Utd represents all of that."

On Louis Van Gaal (April 2015): "Van Gaal is a fantastic coach and they are more than ready. I consider him a big, big friend but because of jobs, fighting for the same objectives, we are not speaking every week. But the deep feelings towards a friend doesn't change."

What can you say about a man who has won 10 Premier League titles? The proof is in his medals. Yes, maybe we are talking about the greatest Premier League player of all time.

On Ryan Giggs (May 2009): "What can you say about a man who has won 10 Premier League titles? The proof is in his medals. Yes, maybe we are talking about the greatest Premier League player of all time. At the very least no player has contributed so much to a single Premier League club as Ryan Giggs has to Manchester United."

On whether he was upset to be overlooked by United in 2013: "No. I am where I want to be. I wouldn't change it for anything."

On United's decision to appoint David Moyes (January 2014): "The club gave him an incredible trust when they chose him to be the next Man Utd manager after Sir Alex. It's a club with a fantastic culture. They believe in stability. They believe in the power of the manager. They believe in the support of the manager."

On United's struggles under David Moyes (February 2014): "I feel sorry for them, I never enjoy when somebody is having some problems like they have but United is United."

On possibility of signing Wayne Rooney for Real Madrid (October 2010): "He probably wants to leave for some reason but I believe he belongs to Man United, he belongs to Man United fans, he belongs to Old Trafford. But if at the end of the day Man United decide that he is to leave, then give me a call."

He is a player I like very much but I can say no more than that. Being fast and direct, I like that, but he's a Manchester United player.

On his admiration for Rooney (July 2013): "He is a player I like very much but I can say no more than that. Being fast and direct, I like that, but he's a Manchester United player."

On Juan Mata (January 2014): "I feel sorry that I didn't make him happy, but football is football. I build a team around Oscar in that position and on the sides the other players are doing very, very well. Juan is not comfortable on the sides. He tried very hard and he did very well in some matches, but it's not his natural habitat. So when a club like Man United comes and for sure they told him he's going to play in his favourite position and he wants to go, he goes."

MAN UTD ON MOURINHO…

Ferguson on Mourinho's 'Special One' press conference in 2004: "When I watched his press conference and he called himself the Special One, I thought, 'I'm not taking him on'. He was charismatic, young and the media loved him, so there was nothing to be gained from taking him on."

Ferguson on Chelsea's decision to sack Mourinho in 2007: "It is a disappointment for the game. He was terrific for football and terrific for Chelsea. I enjoyed the competition with him. He was something fresh and new to our game. I don't know what I will do with my wine now. I wish him well."

David Beckham: "He's still one of the best managers and I hope he comes back to the Premier League as soon as possible because at the end of the day the Premier League is the Premier League for the great players that we bring in, the great teams, the money, the fans and the great characters that we have as managers. You want to see managers like that in the game."

Ferguson on Mourinho's character in 2011: "I look at Jose and I see myself reflected in many of the things he does. In the first year at Chelsea when I saw him running along the touchline at Old Trafford, he reminded me of my first years at Aberdeen jumping, raising my arms, celebrating. We're only human. We can't hide our emotions. They're always there, they're part of who we are, of our character."

I look at Jose and I see myself reflected in many of the things he does.

Sir Bobby Charlton on Mourinho's eye-poke on Tito Vilanova in 2011: "A United manager wouldn't do that. Mourinho is a really good coach but that's as far as I would go really. He pontificates too much for my liking. He's a good manager, though."

Steve Bruce: "Listen, Jose Mourinho is, without doubt, bordering on greatness. When you talk about the great managers, he will be one of them."

Ferguson on the possibility of Mourinho managing Man Utd in 2012: "He can manage anywhere. I'm not going to put any forecasts on what is going to happen at this club. I won't last forever, but Jose can manage anywhere, there is no question about that."

Bastian Schweinsteiger: "The enthusiasm for football in Manchester is great and, if Mourinho does take over at United, I think all of the players want to train under him so it's going to be quite a special season."

Eric Cantona: "I love his personality, I love the passion he has for the game, his humour. He is very intelligent, he demands 100 per cent of his players. And of course he wins things. But I don't think it's the type of football that the fans of Manchester United will love, even if they win. He can win with Manchester United. But do they expect that type of football, even if they win? I don't think so."

Ferguson on whether Chelsea should sack Mourinho last season: "He has to trust and have confidence that Jose can turn it around. There is no point in sacking one of the best coaches of all time. He has won the European Cup twice, won the league in each country he has managed in, won the big trophies. It would be foolish to take that step to sack him. That would be bad management. It's not leadership."

For better or for worse, we had no relationship, there was no dialogue.

Juan Mata on his relationship with Mourinho at Chelsea: "For better or for worse, we had no relationship, there was no dialogue. I was not happy, but always gave the most and respected my colleagues. You never know what will happen in life."

Peter Schmeichel: "I hope Mourinho is the right man. Jose's been at big clubs and had success. He's won something at every club he's been at, and he'll be expected to do it again."

Rio Ferdinand: "He's a top manager, someone who's got great experience, he's a born winner. So for him to be in the market and not be interested in him, I don't think that's wise."