Manchester United news: Jose Mourinho meets Sir Bobby Charlton on tour of Carrington with Rui Faria
The United legend told the new manager he is ’happy to see him here’ after previously criticising the Portuguese
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Your support makes all the difference.Sir Bobby Charlton welcomed Jose Mourinho to Manchester United on Monday, offering the newly-appointed manager his congratulations and insisting he is 'happy to see you here' having previously cast doubt over the Portuguese’s credentials for the job.
Mourinho, 53, toured United’s Aon Training Centre at Carrington with long-time assistant Rui Faria after travelling to Manchester to begin work at the club following confirmation of his appointment as Louis van Gaal’s successor last Friday.
The former Chelsea manager met Carrington staff as he was shown around the complex by executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and John Murtough, United’s head of elite development.
But Charlton’s presence was symbolic for both United and Mourinho, with the Old Trafford legend criticising the manager in 2012, during his reign as Real Madrid coach, for poking Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye during a touchline clash.
“A United manager wouldn't do that," Charlton said. "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."
Charlton’s comments about Mourinho had been regarded as a potential stumbling block to his appointment at Old Trafford amid concerns that his abrasive and confrontational style would bring unnecessary controversy to the club.
Mourinho is here! Watch our new boss arrive at the Aon Training Complex… #WelcomeJose https://t.co/qmBsWqat0u
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) 30 May 2016
But having greeted Mourinho on his arrival at Carrington, Charlton warmly congratulated the new manager before discussing England’s 1966 World Cup semi-final victory over Portugal.
Mourinho is expected to work with his United players for the first time when those not participating in Euro 2016 or the Copa American report back for pre-season training on July 4.
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