Mourinho’s first title was built around youngsters like Terry and Robben (Picture: Getty)

If Manchester United fans are concerned about Jose Mourinho’s willingness to use young players, these stats may be of some comfort.

One major question mark hanging over the former Chelsea boss’ head ahead of taking the job at Old Trafford was over his record in that department, and whether or not he could change his ways to respect United’s traditions.

However, it may surprise some to see that his 2004/05 title-winning side had the youngest average age of any champions in the Premier League era.

Ages of major Chelsea stars at start of 04/05 23 – John Terry, Tiago

22 – Petr Cech, Joe Cole

20 – Arjen Robben

19 – Glen Johnson, Robert Huth

Narrowly ahead of Manchester United’s 1995/96 team – you know, the one that prompted Alan Hansen to warn United they ‘can’t win anything with kids’ – that Blues squad had an average age of 24 years and three months.




United’s average age in ’96 was 25, so Mourinho may well be the ideal heir to Sir Alex Ferguson, despite his reputation as only trusting big-name signings and experienced players.

That Chelsea side was built around the likes of Petr Cech and John Terry, who were 22 and 23 respectively at the start of that campaign, and very much became the world class players they are known as today under Mourinho’s expert guidance.

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