MANCHESTER UNITED CONFIRM 25-MAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SQUAD

Man United will return to the Champions League this season and they have named their European squad ahead of the competition starting next week.

The 2026/27 Champions League league phase starts next week

Manchester United have named their 25-man Champions League squad as they prepare for their return to the competition.

United kick off their European campaign next week with a home game against Sabah FK. The other seven sides the Reds will face in the league phase of the Champions League are Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Roma, Sporting, RB Leipzig, Villarreal and Como.

Teams competing in this season's Champions League had until Wednesday evening to submit their squads. There are a number of high-profile names not included on United's 25-man list, including Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro. However, both will still be eligible to play in the Champions League.

Teams are required to submit an 'A list' of players who can play in the Champions League, which is the list that has now been confirmed.

There is no requirement to include any player on the 'A list' who was born on or after 1 January 2005 and has been eligible to play for the club for two consecutive years since turning 15 (or three years including a loan spell). Any player who falls into this category is added to a 'B list', and this is submitted to UEFA either on or before the day prior to a Champions League match.

The 'A list' that has been submitted to UEFA is now locked in for the league phase of the competition. However, should United reach the knockout rounds, they will have until 4 February 2027 to register a maximum of three new players.

United's 25-man Champions League squad:

Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow, Tom Heaton, Senne Lammens, Dermot Mee

Defenders: Patrick Dorgu, Diogo Dalot, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Noussair Mazraoui, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven

Midfielders: Carlos Baleba, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, Manuel Ugarte

Forwards: Amad, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko, Joshua Zirkzee, Tynan Thompson

- Ross Jackson

BRUNO FERNANDES WINS PLAYER OF THE MATCHWEEK | PREMIER LEAGUE

 

DAVID RAYA IS THE FIFTH-FASTEST GOALKEEPER IN PREMIER LEAGUE HISTORY TO REACH 50 CLEAN SHEETS

 

David Raya becomes the fifth-fastest goalkeeper in Premier League 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 to reach 50 clean sheets! 🧤

ENZO FERNANDEZ DEAL PROFIT EXPLAINED

 

Most people see the Enzo Fernandez record-breaking deal to Manchester City and believe Chelsea made an £18.2m profit.

The fact is, Chelsea has just made a whopping £56m accounting profit.

It’s called amortization, and here is how it works…

Chelsea signed Enzo for about £106.8m on an 8.5-year contract.

They don’t record the entire £106.8m as an expense in one year. Instead, the transfer fee is spread across the length of his contract.

£106.8m ÷ 8.5 years = approximately £12.6m per year.

After roughly 3 years, Chelsea has recognised about £37.7m of the transfer fee as an expense.

That leaves Enzo with an approximate £69.1m book value on Chelsea’s books.

Now, Chelsea sells him to Manchester City for £125m:

£125m − £69.1m = approximately £55.9m.

So, Chelsea has made roughly £56m in accounting profit on the sale. Based on the original amortisation schedule.

- Kriz Cfc

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MANCHESTER UNITED 5-2 IPSWICH | BRUNO HAT-TRICK | POST-MATCH ANALYSIS

 

MANCHESTER UNITED BATTLE FOR A WIN | PREMIER LEAGUE

 

MANCHESTER UNITED CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES

 

BRUNO FERNANDES CLAIMS PFA PLAYER OF THE YEAR PRIZE AS MAN CITY FORWARD BUNNY SHAW WINS WOMEN'S AWARD

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has been named the 2025-26 PFA Players' Player of the Year after breaking the Premier League assists record. Meanwhile, Manchester City striker Bunny Shaw secured the women's prize for the second time, and Nico O'Reilly won the Young Player award on a memorable night that celebrated the outstanding performers of the season.

Record-breaking season for Fernandes

Fernandes was crowned the men's PFA Players' Player of the Year following an incredible individual campaign for Manchester United, as reported by Sky Sports.

He broke the all-time record for Premier League assists, setting up 21 goals to surpass Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne. He also scored nine times to help Manchester United secure a third-place finish and earn a return to the Champions League under manager Michael Carrick.

Consequently, Fernandes is the first Manchester United player to win the prestigious trophy since Wayne Rooney in the 2009-10 season, adding this prize to the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award he won in May.

Getty Images Entertainment 

Pride in peer recognition

Reacting to the achievement, Fernandes expressed his delight at being recognised by his fellow professionals across the division. Fernandes said: "It is obviously a very proud moment. They are the ones you go on the pitch against and it's probably not easy to vote for someone you play against, so it is a very good moment."

In the women's game, Shaw scooped the PFA Women's Player of the Year award for the second time, claiming the trophy after scoring 21 goals to win a third straight Golden Boot and her first Women's Super League title with Manchester City.

Youth stars and merit awards

O'Reilly was named the Men's PFA Young Player of the Year after an outstanding campaign that saw him help England win World Cup bronze. O'Reilly said: "I had a great season. I'm very proud of the season I had. I won two trophies with my club and managed to play at the World Cup with my country. I'm over the moon how it turned out."

Meanwhile, Arsenal prospect Olivia Smith picked up the women's PFA Young Player of the Year title for the second consecutive campaign. Elsewhere, Sir Kenny Dalglish and Karen Carney received the PFA merit awards for their outstanding lifetime contributions to football.

AFP

What comes next for the winners?

Manchester United have a busy schedule ahead as Fernandes prepares to lead his team in their highly anticipated Champions League return. Manchester City and Shaw will focus on defending their Women's Super League crown when the new season kicks off.

- Moataz Elgammal

MANCHESTER UNITED COMPLETE CARLOS BALEBA SIGNING

Baleba becomes the third Premier League player to bolster the Red Devils’ midfield, signing a five-year-deal with the option to extend for a further 12 months.

Manchester United have completed the signing of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba.

Manchester United have completed the signing of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a deal worth up to £70million.

After securing a Champions League return with last season’s third-place finish, there has been a focus on bolstering Michael Carrick’s midfield heading into the new Premier League campaign.

United saw influential Casemiro depart and Manuel Ugarte sustain a serious knee injury during a summer in which Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans arrived from Chelsea and Aston Villa respectively.

Baleba becomes the third Premier League player to bolster the Red Devils’ midfield, signing a five-year-deal with the option to extend for a further 12 months after agreeing a £65m deal plus £5m in add-ons and a sell-on with Brighton.

“It is an incredible feeling to join the club of my dreams. Playing at Old Trafford is always special but the opportunity to do so as a Manchester United player will be a real honour,” the Cameroon international said.

“I cannot wait to work with Michael Carrick. His experience and knowledge of the game make him the perfect coach to help me to reach the highest level.

“The ambition of everyone at the club is extremely clear, the future is hugely exciting, and I am determined to play my part in delivering the success that we are capable of together.” 

United made a move to bring in Baleba last summer but cooled their pursuit when Brighton made it abundantly clear he was not leaving.

The 22-year-old was not at his best last season but that did not put off the Old Trafford outfit, with the club stepping up their interest a week ago.

United director of football Jason Wilcox said: “Carlos is an elite midfielder with immense potential to develop further. He brings a unique combination of qualities that will really complement our squad.

“We are delighted to further strengthen our midfield with the addition of another established senior international with a proven track record of performing in the Premier League.

“Carlos’ determination to join Manchester United and his confidence that we will achieve our shared ambitions mean that he is the perfect signing as we continue to build a dynamic and entertaining team ready to compete across multiple competitions.” 

Brighton sporting director Mike Cave said: “Carlos has made a significant contribution during his time with us and we’ve seen him develop both as a player and person here.

“This is a move that Carlos was keen to make and we respect that he wants to take this opportunity at this stage of his career.” 

Baleba’s arrival has been welcomed positively by many connected to United, including the club’s all-time top goalscorer Wayne Rooney.

“I really like him (Baleba), I think he’s a really good signing,” the former England captain told the ‘Stick to United with Wayne Rooney’ podcast on Disney+.

“We need another midfield player with a bit of physicality and I know he’s not six-foot-four or whatever.

“But he covers the ground really well, he’s aggressive, he takes the ball, and is what we need. He’s a very good player who will improve the team massively.

“It will be interesting with Tielemans, Santos and (Kobbie) Mainoo but this is what it should be. Competition for places. If you don’t play well, you don’t play.”

MANCHESTER UNITED FAN, STEVE, ON HARRY MAGUIRE 🤔

 

HULL CITY 2-0 MANCHESTER UNITED | POST-MATCH ANALYSIS

 

HULL CITY STUN MANCHESTER UNITED WITH TWO EARLY GOALS IN EXTRAORDINARY START TO THEIR PREMIER LEAGUE SEASON

Hull City got their Premier League season off to a dream start against Manchester United. Photo: Stan Sport.

Hull City are enjoying a dream start to their Premier League return, scoring twice in the first half to stun Manchester United at the MKM Stadium.

Not much was expected of The Tigers, who named Australian recruit Lucas Herrington on the bench, with many expecting them to be a relegation candidate having secured a shock promotion from the Championship via the play-offs.

Instead, they flew out of the gates against United, who they have never beaten in the Premier League before.

Semi Ajayi puts Hull City ahead against Manchester United and the stadium goes CRAZY 

Incredible scenes inside the MKM Stadium for the Tigers.

↳ Premier League. Every Match. Live & Exclusive with 4K on Stan Sport. Stream now.#StanSportAU #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/wHV7EfLOG1

— Stan Sport Football (@StanSportFC) August 22,

In the 17th minute, Hull hit the front as centre-back Semi Ajayi popped up with a rare goal, slamming home from close range after a well-worked corner routine saw Oli McBurnie force a strong save from Senne Lammens, before the rebound was bundled in.

If that wasn’t bad enough for Michael Carrick’s men, United would go further behind before the break when another defender popped up in final third.

This time it was Nobel Mendy, the 23-year-old Senegalese international signed from Rayo Vallecano in this transfer window, who headed home to send the home crowd into raptures.

HULL CITY SCORE AGAIN 

Nobel Mendy scores on his debut and the Tigers are TWO to the good against Manchester United in their first Premier League game in nine years.

↳ Premier League. Every Match. Live & Exclusive with 4K on Stan Sport.#StanSportAU #PremierLeague pic.twitter.com/ynG4de44tu

— Stan Sport Football (@StanSportFC) August 22, 2026

 United dominated possession in the first half, but find themselves two down and needing to pull off a huge comeback in the second half to avoid a shocking start to a season where they were expected to get back to challenging for the title.

“Hull coming back into the Premier League, playing at home, great enthusiasm, they’ve done really well and made it difficult for Manchester United,” United legend Peter Schmeichel said on Stan Sport’s coverage.

“When they’ve not been in possession they’ve played five at the back… it has been difficult for Man United to break it down.

“Then when they’ve had the ball, they’ve been absolutely fantastic, especially the way they play the wing-backs. Man United has not been able to deal with that.”

Socceroos defender Herrington is waiting in the wings for his Premier League debut and would become the 58th Aussie to feature in the competition and the third-youngest should he see the field.

- JAKE ROSENGARTEN

MAN UTD AGREE £70 CARLOS BALEBA DEAL WITH BRIGHTON AS MIDFIELDER GOES FOR MEDICAL

AFP

Manchester United have taken a massive step toward completing their summer rebuild after reaching an agreement with Brighton & Hove Albion for Carlos Baleba. The highly-rated midfielder is now expected to travel for a medical as Michael Carrick looks to bolster his engine room following a series of high-profile departures and injuries.

Red Devils land primary midfield target

According to The Athletic, Manchester United have successfully negotiated a deal for Brighton star Baleba, with the total package for the Cameroon international set to reach £70 million. The two Premier League clubs reached a definitive breakthrough in talks after weeks of speculation surrounding the 22-year-old's future, with United paying a guaranteed fixed fee of £65m alongside £5m in add-ons. The midfielder is expected to travel tonight ahead of a scheduled medical on Saturday.

Manchester United continue to stay active in the summer transfer window as they prepare for their return to the Champions League. The Red Devils have already bolstered Carrick's squad with the acquisitions of Andrey Santos from Chelsea, Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, and goalkeeper Karl Darlow from Leeds United.

Getty Images Sport

Addressing a crisis in the engine room

The pursuit of Baleba comes at a pivotal moment for United, whose central midfield options have been thinned by summer departures and key injuries. With Casemiro departing on a free transfer and Manuel Ugarte sidelined by a ligament injury suffered at the World Cup, reinforcing the middle of the pitch became a top priority for the club's recruitment team.

Despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Baleba is working his way back to full fitness after a pre-season setback. The Cameroon international is currently sidelined with an ankle ligament injury sustained during the summer break, which kept him out of Brighton's goalless draw against Tromso in the first leg of their Conference League qualifier on Thursday.

Data-driven pursuit yields results

United's interest in the former Lille midfielder is far from a sudden development, with the club's recruitment team keeping close tabs on his progress for several seasons. Old Trafford scouts monitored Baleba extensively throughout the 2025-26 campaign, having already explored a potential deal for the Cameroonian last summer.

Baleba's ascent to the upper echelons of English football has been swift since arriving from Ligue 1. After joining Brighton from Lille in the summer of 2023, the midfielder made 112 appearances for the Seagulls, though he was limited to 23 Premier League starts last season.

Getty Images Sport 

Brighton's summer exodus continues

Baleba will become the latest high-profile departure from Brighton this summer, following the exits of Jan Paul van Hecke to Tottenham Hotspur, Danny Welbeck to Chelsea, and Diego Coppola to Paris FC.

Brighton kick off their new Premier League campaign by hosting Aston Villa on Sunday, while Manchester United travel to face newly-promoted Hull City tomorrow, Saturday.

- Khaled Mahmoud

MAN UNITED CAN COMPLETE FIVE TRANSFERS INCLUDING BALEBA THIS WEEK BEFORE HULL CITY CLASH

The Red Devils have plenty of work left on their transfer to-do list.

Michael Carrick is looking to complete his business for the summer (Image: Getty)

Manchester United’s summer transfer window was expected to be a little busier than it has so far turned out to be. It started out strong, with Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans having both penned deals before the conclusion of the World Cup.

Karl Darlow aside, United haven’t made any other additions to their squad, with time running out before deadline day. United are still said to be pushing for new signings, while players are also being linked with moves away from the club. As such, Express Sport have picked out seven transfers United could complete before this weekend’s Premier League season opener...

Academy trio allowed to leave

It’s being reported that three players who have first-team experience with United could be allowed to leave. Chief among them being Toby Collyer, who spent the previous season out on loan at West Brom.

It’s reported that the Baggies are in talks with United about making the move permanent, while Harry Amass could also be on the chopping block. BBC Sport suggest a loan is more likely than a permanent sale at this stage, unlike the fate that awaits Ethan Wheatley.

The talented striker is attracting interest from Everton, as per Fabrizio Romano, who claims a proposal is being prepared. The 20-year-old is admired by the Merseyside outfit, who are keen to add reinforcements in attack.

Push for a left-back steps up

United have been tracking a left-back all summer, with Lewis Hall their first-choice pick. However, the chance of pulling this one off is slim, given Newcastle have made it clear they don’t intend on selling the English international.

As a result, United have been eyeing up potential alternatives, including Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly, who is said to have been offered to the Red Devils by intermediaries. Elsewhere, Jorge Salinas has emerged as a potential option, with the teenager having caught the eye at Racing Santander.

Man Utd want to recruit Carlos Baleba from Brighton (Image: Getty)

Carlos Baleba joins as final midfield addition

Midfield was the priority position before the start of the summer, and with Santos and Tielemans, United have made inroads. But there is still work to be done.

United still want to sign a third midfielder and Carlos Baleba is the man they want. Brighton are expected to reject their initial bid - £60m with £5m in add-ons - but an agreement is expected soon.

Joshua Zirkzee leaves and replacement joins

And finally, it hasn’t been the move to United that Joshua Zirkzee would’ve hoped for. The Dutchman hasn’t been able to establish himself in the starting XI under United’s last three managers and is now being linked with a return to Italy.

It has been suggested that if United were to lose Zirkzee, Carrick is keen to see him replaced. While there are only two weeks of the window left, it’s clear there is still plenty left on United’s to-do list.

- Amos Murphy

MANCHESTER UNITED 2-4 AC MILAN | HIGHLIGHTS | FRIENDLY

 

MANCHESTER UNITED MEME

 

FOUR GOALS AND A COMEBACK! AC MILAN DEFEATS MANCHESTER UNITED IN INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY

AC Milan closed out its preseason with a convincing 4-2 victory over Manchester United. The Rossoneri showcased their attacking power and capitalized on their opponent’s defensive mistakes.

AC Milan Completes a Convincing Comeback Against Manchester United

AC Milan closed out its preseason with a 4-2 victory over Manchester United at the Tarczyński Arena in Wroclaw in an international friendly that ultimately left the Italian side with plenty of positive takeaways. The Rossoneri had to respond twice, but ultimately imposed their attacking quality during a second half in which they found space and capitalized on their opponent’s mistakes.

The English side took an early lead through Harry Maguire, who rose to head home Bruno Fernandes’ corner. However, Milan found a response before halftime through Samuel Chukwueze, who received the assist from Gonçalo Ramos.

The equalizer was not the only major moment of the first half. Bruno Fernandes had the chance to restore United’s lead from the penalty spot, but Lorenzo Torriani read the shot correctly and made a decisive save to keep the score at 1-1.

Gonçalo Ramos Turns His Debut Into a Standout Night

The spotlight was firmly on Gonçalo Ramos, and the Portuguese forward lived up to the expectations. The Rossoneri’s new attacker was not limited to contributing to the build-up: he scored his first goal for Milan and was also directly involved in other goals.

After Patrick Dorgu restored Manchester United’s lead early in the second half, Milan responded once again. Alphadjo Cissé brought the game back to 2-2 and, just minutes later, Ramos had his moment.

The Portuguese forward found space inside the box to head home a cross from Samuel Chukwueze, making it 3-2. The play highlighted the connection between the two players throughout the match and gave Milan the lead for the first time.

United’s Defensive Errors Shift the Game

The English side took the lead twice, but could not hold onto either advantage, allowing Milan to find increasingly dangerous spaces.

United’s second goal came through Patrick Dorgu, who capitalized on a poor Milan backpass to make it 2-1. The Italian side responded immediately, and from the 2-2 mark onward, the match began to swing clearly in the Rossoneri’s favor.

Milan’s third goal once again featured Chukwueze, this time providing the assist for Ramos. The Nigerian was one of the most active players for the Italian side and took advantage of the gaps appearing in the English defense.

Shortly afterward, Ruben Loftus-Cheek burst into space on the right and received another service from Ramos before making it 4-2. The goal put the match beyond United’s reach and confirmed Milan’s attacking superiority during the decisive stretch.

Rashford Returns to United, but Milan Take the Positives

The match also featured a special moment for Marcus Rashford, who returned to the Manchester United lineup after a lengthy absence. The forward came on in the second half and showed some promising movement on the wing, although he was unable to change the course of the match.

His return was one of the main talking points for the English side, but the spotlight ultimately belonged to Milan. The Italian team found attacking solutions, capitalized on their opponent’s mistakes and finished the match with four goals against one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

- beiN SPORTS

VICTORY OVER.LEEDS IN DUBLIN | MANCHESTER UNITED VS. LEEDS UNITED | HIGHLIGHTS

 

PITCH INVADERS TAKE SELFIES WITH FERNANDES DURING MAN UTD FRIENDLY

Dublin (AFP) – Normal time in Manchester United's pre-season friendly against Leeds at Dublin's Croke Park on Wednesday ended in bizarre fashion when two young fans ran on to the pitch to take selfies with Bruno Fernandes.

A pitch invader takes a selfie with Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes during a pre-season friendly against Leeds at Croke Park in Dublin © Paul Faith / AFP

When security did not immediately intervene, at least three other pitch invaders joined in and play did not restart before referee Neil Doyle blew for full-time.

The match, the first game of association soccer at the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association since 2009, was played in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 80,000.

It ended 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes after Joshua Zirkzee gave United a 16th-minute lead before Leeds equalised just before the half-hour mark, with Brenden Aaronson scoring after good work from former United winger Daniel James.

Noussair Mazraoui scored the decisive spot-kick as Manchester United won 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out.

"First half we were really dangerous and could've had a number of goals," United manager Michael Carrick told ITV. "We played some really good football.

"They came back into the game, and in the second half there were a few changes and it was important to get some minutes in some of our lads.

"The young lads did well, it was everything we expected of them. Winning the game is always nice."

Fernandes missed from the spot before it went to sudden death, but after James Justin's effort struck the crossbar, Mazraoui saw United to victory.

Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford were among those watching on, not involved after only joining the training camp at the start of the week following the World Cup.

Before the match, Carrick said he was holding the trio "in reserve" for Saturday's friendly against former boss Ruben Amorim and AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland -- potentially Rashford's first appearance in a United shirt since December 2024.

"He's our player," said former United and England midfielder Carrick of Rashford, now back at Old Trafford after a loan spell at Barcelona.

"He's come back great, like any other player. I've known him a long time, he gives us something a bit different.

"He's been in great spirits since he's come back."

After several half-time changes, including a debut for United's new 18-year-old winger Tynan Thompson, Leeds should have gone ahead six minutes in when Joe Rodon's low cross found Harry Wilson, but the summer signing shot straight at Senne Lammens.

Fernandes was among six United players to come onto the field on the hour and, having seen one effort ruled out for offside, he hit the crossbar with a curling shot five minutes from time.

JOSÉ MOURINHO REVEALS HE SIGNED CONTRACT TO SUCCEEDED ALEX FERGUSON AT MAN UTD

 

The Portuguese has said in a new Netflix documentary about his life he had agreed to move to Old Trafford in 2013.

José Mourinho has revealed he signed a contract to succeed Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in 2013 only to tearfully renege on the deal and return to Chelsea.

The football world was rocked when the Scottish great announced he was retiring having overseen a 13th Premier League title triumph win during a spell of unrivalled dominance at Old Trafford.

United have failed to return to the top of the English game since Ferguson stepped down, with successor David Moyes sacked after only 10 months in charge.

David Moyes did not last long as Alex Ferguson’s successor at Manchester United (Martin Rickett/PA)

Mourinho was later brought in, spending two and a half years in charge from 2016, but revealed in a new Netflix documentary about his life that he had agreed to come earlier.

“I go to Chelsea in 2013 but in that period there is something nobody knows,” the Portuguese said in ‘Mourinho’.

“I think I can say because I don’t hurt anyone with the truth, and I think the objective of this work that we are doing is to tell the truth.

“When I left Real Madrid, I signed with Manchester United to go to Manchester United after .”

Mourinho continued: “I was, of course, very flattered, because Manchester United has an incredible appeal.

“When I say Real Madrid is the biggest club in the world, I have to say that Manchester United is very, very close.

Jose Mourinho celebrates Real Madrid scoring against Ferguson’s United (Martin Rickett/PA)

“But one thing is love for football, and another thing is love for a certain club.

“I think this is more powerful than love for football and, fundamentally, after Real Madrid, I needed to feel that I’m loved.”

Ferguson was one of the footballing figures interviewed for the new documentary and admits he was under the illusion Mourinho was accepting the offer, only for the situation to change in a matter of hours.

“Early evening he phoned me and he was crying,” the United great said. “And he says, ‘Alex, I can’t take it – I’ve given my word to Chelsea, and I’m not going to break my word’.

“The reason he gave to me I could understand, but I was disappointed.”

Mourinho had a strong bond with Chelsea after leading them to two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cups during an unforgettable first spell.

The Portuguese parked differences with owner Roman Abramovich to return to Stamford Bridge after leaving Real Madrid, winning another league crown and League Cup before being sacked in December 2015.

Mourinho took in two spells as Chelsea boss (John Walton/PA

“For me to lose the chance to be the coach to succeed Alex Ferguson was dramatic, but I don’t regret because it was a decision that I made with my heart,” Mourinho, now back in charge of Real Madrid, said.

“And I think it is nature that says something that when you do something for love, you are never doing anything wrong. I think it’s nature. I did it for love.

“I went back with the feeling of, yes, I go home, but with big responsibility because what I did before is history, and you don’t want to destroy your legacy.”

- Simon Peach