Tottenham: Jose Mourinho reveals Manchester United chief Ed Woodward congratulated him on Spurs job

The Portuguese was sacked as manager by Woodward 11 months ago

Jose Mourinho has revealed that Ed Woodward texted him his congratulations after news of Mourinho’s appointment at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Manchester United executive vice-chairman sacked Mourinho as manager 11 months ago.

Yet Mourinho says Woodward is among a large group of well-wishers, including many from Old Trafford, who have sent their congratulations since his new role was confirmed.

“I received messages from everybody, everywhere (from my former clubs),” he told Sky Sports.

“Maybe I get the opportunity to apologise for not answering 500 of them that I couldn’t answer. I have 700 but only had time to answer 200.

“But it was curious to see, from my last club, so many people showing me that respect, empathy and feeling. It was nice.

“All of them were special. The first one was from (United managing director) Richard Arnold. The third, fourth or fifth was Ed Woodward. And they were my bosses.”

Mourinho replaces Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs, who despite an extended run of poor form since the start of the year retained much good will at Tottenham.

Pochettino did appear to fall out with Daniel Levy, who is chairman of the club, particularly over Tottenham’s lack of investment and activity in the transfer market.

Mourinho, conversely, thinks he and Levy will have a good relationship.

“Yes, I think we will get on well,” he said.

“He explained to me the vision for the club and I embraced that.

“It was one of the most important reasons I accepted. So when I did that, it’s a very good start.”

Mourinho takes charge of Tottenham for the first time on Saturday as they face West Ham in the Premier League.