Mourinho: I'll return Manchester United to the top

Jose Mourinho

Jose Mourinho took charge of Manchester United and declared himself the right man to take them back to the top.

“It’s what I call a giant club – and giant clubs must be for the best managers. I think I’m ready for it,” said Mourinho, showing he has lost none of his self-belief despite being sacked by Chelsea.

Mourinho was confirmed as United boss on a three-year deal worth £45million and added: “I feel great and I think it comes at the right moment of my career.

“I’m happy, I’m proud, I’m honoured, I’m everything, but the reality is that what I love is to work and I cannot wait until July 7 to go out on to the pitch.”

The Portuguese was aggrieved he was overlooked for the United job when Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. United went for David Moyes, who was sacked after 10 months, then Louis van Gaal, who was dismissed on Monday after two years.

“I think we can look at our club now in two perspectives,” Mourinho added. “One perspective is the past three years and the other is the club history.

“I prefer to forget the past three years, I prefer to focus on the giant club I have in my hands now and I think what the fans are expecting me to say is that I want to win.

“I want to win and more than that I need the supporters and players to feel that I say that, it’s not just for the sake of saying it."