Is Mourinho Deal A Crash Waiting To Happen?

A marriage made in paradise, or a juggernaut crash waiting to happen? A bit of both, probably.

Either way, Manchester United have strapped themselves in for what will doubtless be a thrilling ride , complete with highs, lows and stomach-churning moments.

Perceived wisdom, reflected inside Old Trafford and the United power base near Green Park in Central London, has been that Mourinho might not be their sort of chap. Too brash, too win-at-all costs.

When Sir Alex Ferguson pointed them in the direction of David Moyes to grasp the torch he had carried so successfully for 27 years, it was in the hope of a dynasty being smoothly maintained by a new generation.

Leading executive Ed Woodward sacked Moyes with great reluctance after seven unconvincing months, and now – after Louis van Gaal brought less Dutch mastery than hoped – Woodward and United’s American owners have taken a deep breath and gone for Mourinho, baggage and all.

The only baggage Mourinho carried home after signing his deal was a bottle of wine, and a folder containing the contract itself.

Something to celebrate, as there was precisely 12 years previously, when Mourinho first won the Champions League with Porto, from his native Portugal.

To reach the final, Porto had knocked out Manchester United, the manager famously celebrating by sprinting along the Old Trafford touchline.

Then he was the newcomer, the upstart. Now he is the world's most famous football boss, appointed by - arguably - the biggest club.

United legend Eric Cantona has led the voices suggesting Mourinho's style might not fit.

"I don't think it's the type of football that the fans of Manchester United will love, even if they win," the Frenchman told the Guardian.

But the owning Glazer family have decided trophies are an imperative if their outstanding commercial success is not to be derailed.

And they will accept the snarling, the posturing – and the still-to-be concluded action launched by Chelsea's former club doctor Eva Carneiro, who is claiming unfair dismissal and pursuing a claim against Mourinho himself.

United are more than used to a media circus. Mourinho is a ringmaster par excellence. A special ringmaster, you might say.

Put a few extra rows of seats on the Big Top.