Manchester United will finally announce the appointment on Friday of Jose Mourinho on a three-year contract, convinced they have found the man who can send the club back to the top of English and European football.

As the biggest names in world football lined up to back Mourinho to restore United to former glories after three troubled years following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, the Portuguese was busy choosing the words that will accompany a statement to confirm his eagerly-anticipated return to management, 162 days after his sacking at Chelsea.

Whether loved, hated, devil or angel, there is unlikely to be a quiet moment with Mourinho at the Old Trafford helm. United fans will hope he brings trophies and entertainment. They can probably expect a lot of noise, too.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who worked under Mourinho at Real Madrid, believes his compatriot will enable United to rediscover the identity they lost under Louis van Gaal and David Moyes.