Jose Mourinho is set to make his first appearance at Old Trafford since being named Manchester United manager in today’s prestigious Soccer Aid charity match.
Just nine days after the official confirmation of Mourinho’s appointment, the 53-year-old will be in Manchester to give his support to Unicef, who use the friendly fixture to raise money for children in danger.
Former Chelsea boss Mourinho had agreed to manage an ‘England’ team consisting of former internationals, musicians, actors and other celebrities, against a Rest of the World team coached by Leicester chief Claudio Ranieri and featuring a host of retired legends.
But, following his move to United, Mourinho could instead decide to save his first game on the home bench for the Premier League club’s clash with Everton in Wayne Rooney’s testimonial on August 3.
Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce could instead take care of the match-day management duties on Sunday, with Mourinho taking some training sessions with the ‘England’ squad and making an appearance in the stands during the game.
Mourinho, who has won the Premier League three times and the Champions League twice in his glittering career, had already visited United’s Carrington training ground for the first time on Monday.
He was given a tour by United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and met Old Trafford icon Bobby Charlton during his seven-hour visit.
As well as getting used to his new surroundings, Mourinho has spent much of his first few days in charge of United focused on potential new signings, with the likes of Paris Saint Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba and Everton defender John Stones linked with the club.
But he would have loved to be able to sign several of the Rest of the World players featuring in the Soccer Aid match when they were in their prime.
Ronaldinho, Cafu, Jaap Stam, Dimitar Berbatov, Edgar Davids, Samuel Eto’o, Fabio Cannavaro and Dida are all slated to appear, while Brazil legend Pele is the game’s guest of
honour.
For England, Robbie Fowler, Jamie Carragher, Phil Neville, Sol Campbell, David Seaman, Jermain Defoe, Danny Murphy and Kieron Dyer will feature alongside One Direction singer Louis Tomlinson, popstar Olly Murs and actor Damian Lewis.