Mourinho's Man Utd reign: Enduring Charisma and Legacy

Mourinho’s Man Utd reign: A mere 20 minutes spent with José Mourinho at Fenerbahçe’s training ground in Istanbul on Wednesday was enough to remind everyone of his magnetic presence. Known for his two unforgettable spells at Chelsea and his tenure at Tottenham, Mourinho has always been a captivating figure, whether admired or criticized.

Now, as he prepares for a Europa League showdown with Manchester United at the iconic Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium, Mourinho faces a club where his desire for success once reached its peak. Despite leaving United almost six years ago, he remains a memorable figure in the club’s history.

The 2018 Pre-Season Incident

One notable anecdote that sums up Mourinho’s complex time at United is from the 2018 pre-season tour of the United States. A unique “training session” was scheduled at UCLA, featuring United players Juan Mata, Chris Smalling, and Ander Herrera, alongside local children coached by James Corden, then the host of The Late, Late Show.

Although the players were ready to fulfill the commitment, Mourinho was nowhere to be found. He had left for the venue ahead of the team, and upon arrival, security reported that he was in a bad mood. Initially, his participation in the event seemed uncertain. Yet, when footage from the day is watched today, none of this is apparent. Mourinho joined in and ensured the children had an unforgettable experience.

The Contradictory Mourinho

Speaking to various sources about Mourinho’s time at Old Trafford, a consistent theme emerges: the unpredictable shifts between his charm and his darker moods. These contradictions were a hallmark of his United tenure.

Right Man, Wrong Time?

Many at United now believe that Mourinho may have been the right man for the job, but at the wrong time. If he had been appointed right after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, the story might have been different. However, Mourinho was then committed to Chelsea, and United went with David Moyes, dubbed the “Chosen One,” to replace Ferguson.

Moyes, though not solely responsible, made cautious decisions that slowed United’s progress, resulting in missed Champions League qualification. After Moyes, Louis van Gaal was brought in, with hopes that his experience at major clubs could guide United back to glory. That plan didn’t work either.

By Van Gaal’s second season, attention had shifted to Mourinho. When the Dutchman won the FA Cup, it wasn’t enough to stop the inevitable arrival of Mourinho. United welcomed him with open arms, hosting his introductory press conference at Claridge’s hotel in London.

Mourinho’s Success and Turmoil

Mourinho was seen as a manager with a three-year cycle: chaotic but capable of delivering success. In his first season, he won two trophies, and in the second, he led United to a runner-up finish behind Manchester City. However, his relationship with the club soured over time, and arguments became frequent. By the time United lost 3-1 to Liverpool in December 2018, calls were being made to bring in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as a calming influence.

Memorable Moments

Mourinho’s tenure was filled with memorable moments. One personal story involves the accidental spilling of water over the notes Mourinho had at his unveiling press conference. Mourinho left the room and never returned after the incident.

He also famously spent 895 nights living at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester—an arrangement that some United staff mocked by calling him “Alan Partridge” after Steve Coogan’s comedy character. Another notable moment came in a pre-season tour in China, where Mourinho’s press conference had to be held on a running track due to the lack of space, and a match against Manchester City was canceled due to torrential rain.

Mourinho’s Final Weeks

Mourinho’s final weeks at United were tumultuous. After a chaotic transfer window, tensions rose, especially regarding Anthony Martial. Mourinho wanted Martial out after the player delayed his return to pre-season following the birth of his child. This disagreement led to ongoing tension between the player and manager.

Six weeks after Mourinho’s departure, Martial signed a new contract, highlighting the disconnect between the manager and the club.

No Regrets, But Fond Memories

Strangely, Mourinho’s relationship with MUTV—United’s in-house television channel—was better before he became manager. Before key Champions League games with Inter Milan and Real Madrid, Mourinho granted interviews to the channel, but after becoming United’s manager, his primary concern seemed to be defending his own reputation. After United’s Champions League exit to Sevilla, he famously ranted about “football heritage” and pointed out the club’s failings.

Five months later, after a 3-0 defeat to Tottenham, Mourinho demanded “respect” for his three Premier League titles. Despite his successes, including an EFL Cup and a Europa League win, there’s a sense that Mourinho’s time at United never quite lived up to expectations.

As Mourinho faces his old club in Turkey, United fans may look back on his tenure with some fond memories, but not with a sense of regret.