Skip to content

New Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho watches Soccer Aid at Old Trafford

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was at Old Trafford for the Soccer Aid 2016 match
Image: Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was at Old Trafford for the Soccer Aid 2016 match on Sunday

Jose Mourinho appeared to be enjoying settling into his "new house" on Sunday as he made his first Old Trafford appearance since being appointed as Manchester United manager.

Just over a week on from being officially confirmed as United boss, Mourinho watched from the stands as an 'England' side of celebrities and former and current players beat a Rest of the World outfit 3-2 in the 2016 Soccer Aid match.

The 53-year-old Portuguese had received a warm reception from the crowd gathered outside when he entered the stadium ahead of the charity game, responding with a smile and a wave.

Mourinho was given a warm welcome before the Soccer Aid charity football match at Old Trafford
Image: Mourinho was given a warm welcome before the Soccer Aid charity football match at Old Trafford

And shortly prior to kick-off, two pictures appeared on Mourinho's official Instagram account - one of which was accompanied by the message: "An honour to host Pele at my new house."

As well as that picture of Mourinho shaking hands with the Brazil great with a large United crest behind them, there was also an image of him in the Old Trafford tunnel.

'Jose is the new Fergie'
'Jose is the new Fergie'

Jose Mourinho is new Sir Alex Ferguson at Man Utd, says Ricardo Carvalho

Mourinho also referred to the ground as his "house" in a short statement in the programme for the event as he expressed his delight at starting work at United.

He said: "I'm sorry I couldn't be more involved tonight and I was sorry not to enjoy training with the England boys this week, but I am so happy and involved at beginning my job at Manchester United that all the time I have right now is working time!

Also See:

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney says he is looking forward to working with Mourinho next season

"But I want to enjoy the game with... the crowd on this fantastic day at my house, Old Trafford."

Mourinho had been billed as part of the 'England' side's management team, although there had been some confusion over whether or how he would fulfil those duties during the event.

In the end, he did not go on the pitch or into the dugout, with Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce leading the way on that front and, in many ways, in terms of this being Mourinho's first outing at his new workplace, it was a fairly low-key affair.

Jose Mourinho vists Aon Training Complex
Image: Jose Mourinho is shown round the Carrington Training Complex by Sir Bobby Charlton (middle) and Ed Woodward (left)

But Mourinho undoubtedly looked happy to be there, as United were keen to point out on Twitter.

A message appeared on the club's official account in the first half, accompanied by a picture showing a beaming Mourinho in the stands, which said: "Jose looks like he's enjoying life at Old Trafford already! #SoccerAid2016"

In the match itself, reality TV star Mark Wright's free-kick gave England a 50th-minute lead but a second booking and subsequent red card soon followed for Goals on Sunday presenter Ben Shephard and by the hour mark, the Rest of the World led 2-1 thanks to two goals from former United and Tottenham striker Dimitar Berbatov.

However, Allardyce's star striker at Sunderland, Jermain Defoe, came up trumps for his manager once again with goals in the 65th and 76th minutes to secure victory for 10-man England.

Around Sky