Terry backs Mourinho to be United success

London (AFP) – Chelsea captain John Terry believes his former manager Jose Mourinho will lead Manchester United back to the top.

Mourinho was appointed United manager earlier this week after Dutchman Louis van Gaal was sacked two days after leading the Red Devils to an FA Cup victory.

And Terry, who won the Premier League three times as Chelsea captain with Mourinho as manager, believes the Portuguese is the right man to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.

“It’s fantastic news for Man United,” Terry told Sky Sports News. “I’m sure the Man United fans and players will be delighted with that.

“I’ve said many times before, he’s the best manager I’ve worked under and a real delight. It’s a shame the way he finished at Chelsea this year but I wish him well because he’s a great manager and a great man as well, he’ll be great for Manchester United I’m sure.

“I’m sure he’ll settle in well with the likes of Ryan Giggs, hopefully he’ll stay and support him along with the team.

“I’ve come up against Jose for previous teams before, he’ll get a great reception when he comes back to (Stamford) Bridge, for sure, but first and foremost we have to really look at ourselves this year and start fighting for the title again.”

Mourinho was fired from Chelsea last year just six months after leading them to the title for the third time — he is the most successful manager in Chelsea history.

But his move to United will allow him to renew rivalries with new Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Sparks flew between the two when at the helms of Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain from 2010-12.

“I think it’s great for English football, not only what Leicester achieved last year with Claudio Ranieri coming in, Jose and Pep Guardiola up in Manchester, (Antonio) Conte coming to Chelsea as well, there’s a real fight amongst the managers,” said Terry.

“I think it’s going to be interesting, not only for football in general but also for the Premier League.”