Could Mourinho be the next Ferguson?
The Portuguese manager stated his intention of staying at Old Trafford for the next 15 years, but can he emulate Sir Alex?
Arguably the best manager in the club's history, Sir Alex Ferguson joined the Red Devils in November 1986. 1500 fixtures in the dugout and 27 years later, he waved an emotional goodbye to the Old Trafford crowd.
His loyal services to the club had earned up to 38 trophies, including two Champions Leagues, five FA Cups and a staggering 13 Premier League titles. Having taken charge of a team in desperate need of a lift when he left Aberdeen for Manchester, he turned them into one of the most successful clubs in two consecutive decades.
Jose Mourinho enters his second year following EFL Cup and Europa League victories. His infamous clashes with Ferguson during his time at Chelsea awarded him no benevolence from Manchester United fans, but it is that charisma that ultimately landed him the job at Old Trafford.
'The Special One' has already earned the hearts of United fans by taking every chance to point at the club's crest to celebrate victory, and even turned on Chelsea supporters by doing so after beating Conte's side.
Mourinho has been an improvement over his predecesors, David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal proving a complicated transition period after Ferguson's retirement, but the team still has mountains to climb to me among Europe's elite once again.
For now, Manchester United have a manager willing to dedicate the remainder of his career to the club. 'I am ready for this, I am ready for the next 15, I would say', he told ESPN. Having never spent over three straight seasons at former clubs, Jose is ready to settle down.
The former Inter and Real Madrid boss has the desire and the talent to bring back the long-term success, but does he have the resiliance Sir Alex showed when times were tough? Mourinho has a point to prove: can he bring stability to Old Trafford?