Sir Bobby Charlton appears to have put past reservations about Jose Mourinho becoming Manchester United manager behind him after welcoming the Portuguese at the club’s Carrington training complex.
Charlton offered Mourinho his congratulations and said he was “happy to see you here” despite previously doubting the former Chelsea boss’ credentials for the Old Trafford job.
Mourinho, 53, and long-time assistant Rui Faria joined Charlton, United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and head of elite development John Murtough on a tour of the club’s training centre after the ex-Inter Milan and Real Madrid coach was confirmed as Louis van Gaal’s replacement last Friday.
A video of the meeting, released on the club’s official website, is likely to be seen as an attempt by the club to draw a line under Charlton’s comments about Mourinho back in 2012 during his time as coach of Real Madrid.
Charlton criticised Mourinho for poking Barcelona’s assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye during a heated touchline clash, saying at the time: “A United manager wouldn’t do that.
“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 raised doubts that Mourinho’s mind games and sometimes confrontational manner would rule him out of ever taking on the job at Old Trafford, reports The Press Association.
Mourinho is scheduled to start work with those United players not involved in Euro 2016 or the Copa America when they report back for pre-season training on July 4.
