Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho first met when the young upstart
Portuguese was the subject of a burst of Ferguson’s rage after what he
believed to be Porto’s theatrics in their Champions League last-16 tie
back in 2004. In the second-leg back at Old Trafford, Porto stunningly
knocked out United and Mourinho announced himself on the European stage
by charging down the touchline to celebrate with his players.
Despite Mourinho initially getting the better of Ferguson again when the Portuguese manager moved to England with Chelsea, the two have since developed an unlikely friendship.
The two share not only a love of fine wine but an undoubted often ruthless desire to win. Such is Ferguson’s respect for Mournho that he has even suggested that the Madrid manager would make a fitting replacement when he finally steps down at United.
Regardless of whether it is to step into Ferguson’s shoes, Mourinho looks almost certain to depart Madrid at the end of the season. Yet, if he does so without winning the Champions League then he will surely consider his time at the Bernabeu a failure, despite claiming the Liga title last season.
Mourinho loves records and he is desperate to be the first coach to win the European Cup with three different clubs and do it by giving the competition’s most successful team their 10th trophy. It has been a tumultuous season at the Bernabeu with almost constant reports of rifts between certain players and the coach, but all will be forgotten and Mourinho can depart a legend if he lifts that giant trophy in May.
Each of the Champions League last-16 ties have their appeal, but there can be no doubt that the contest between Real Madrid and Manchester United is the true heavyweight matchup of the round. Even ignoring the fact that it features arguably the two biggest clubs in the world, the subplots alone make the two legs a tantalizing prospect.
Sure, there is Cristiano Ronaldo taking on former club for the first time as a Madrid player, but most intriguing is the clash between the two managers, who have a rich history and potentially intriguing future relationship.
Despite Mourinho initially getting the better of Ferguson again when the Portuguese manager moved to England with Chelsea, the two have since developed an unlikely friendship.
The two share not only a love of fine wine but an undoubted often ruthless desire to win. Such is Ferguson’s respect for Mournho that he has even suggested that the Madrid manager would make a fitting replacement when he finally steps down at United.
Regardless of whether it is to step into Ferguson’s shoes, Mourinho looks almost certain to depart Madrid at the end of the season. Yet, if he does so without winning the Champions League then he will surely consider his time at the Bernabeu a failure, despite claiming the Liga title last season.
Mourinho loves records and he is desperate to be the first coach to win the European Cup with three different clubs and do it by giving the competition’s most successful team their 10th trophy. It has been a tumultuous season at the Bernabeu with almost constant reports of rifts between certain players and the coach, but all will be forgotten and Mourinho can depart a legend if he lifts that giant trophy in May.
Each of the Champions League last-16 ties have their appeal, but there can be no doubt that the contest between Real Madrid and Manchester United is the true heavyweight matchup of the round. Even ignoring the fact that it features arguably the two biggest clubs in the world, the subplots alone make the two legs a tantalizing prospect.
Sure, there is Cristiano Ronaldo taking on former club for the first time as a Madrid player, but most intriguing is the clash between the two managers, who have a rich history and potentially intriguing future relationship.
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