Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has revealed that it is the fans, both with their knowledge of the past and their understanding of the changing situation, that led him to quickly fall in love with the club, while also commenting on the tight-knit squad at his disposal.
While speaking to MUTV, Mourinho identified 'the people' as the thing that made him 'immediately feel deeply' for United.
"The typical Manchester United supporters," he explained, "the ones that have unbelievable memories of the past, but know the realities of the moment.
"The ones who keep the expectations for the future but understand the road to arrive there and are always supporting the team, even in the bad moments we have had.
"That, for me, is the most significant thing because it's the thing that makes you fall in love with a new club. I think that's the thing that touched me more."
There was much speculation that Mourinho would tear to pieces the playing squad he inherited from predecessor Louis van Gaal in the summer. But only a handful of surplus youngsters were sold and the group he has is now another thing he loves.
"I like my players very, very much. Not just the players, but the combinations between the players as people. They are very good guys and I love to work with them," the boss explained.
"I love my group so I'm really happy. And at the top of that is the challenge of bringing Manchester United Football Club to the space that it belongs. So I'm really happy."
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