Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Jose Mourinho verdict speaks volumes as former Man United boss eyes return

Sir Jim Ratcliffe believes Jose Mourinho oversaw a 'catastrophic' period at Manchester United and previously accused the former Chelsea boss of 'destroying' Luke Shaw.

It comes after the Manchester Evening News revealed the Portuguese would love to manage the club again. Mourinho was in charge at Old Trafford for two seasons between 2016 and 2018.

He won a League Cup and Europa League during his first season but was unable to lead the club to more success. The Manchester Evening News understands that Mourinho has told confidants he would 'walk' to Manchester to manage United for a second time after being sacked in 2018. Although Mourinho is said to be a friend of co-owner Ratcliffe, who could make a change in manager, he is not expecting an approach from his former club.

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Despite their friendship, Ratcliffe was not a big fan of Mourinho's work at United. Speaking at the time, he told The Telegraph: "I am a season ticket holder at Chelsea. Have been for years, although I’m a Manchester United fan really. Or was...

"It’s not getting any better [at United]. It’s gone from bad to catastrophic. Talk about a glass half empty. And then you look at Mourinho. He’s so down, he destroyed Luke Shaw last season."

Mourinho is currently without a job after leaving AS Roma earlier this year. He was dismissed by the Italian side after winning just eight from their opening 20 league matches.

While United may look to part ways with Erik ten Hag in the summer, Mourinho is unlikely to be the answer to the club's problems. They are currently eighth in the Premier League table and could finish outside the top seven for the first time since 1990.

Their dreadful campaign continued after United were eliminated from European competitions altogether before Christmas as well as the League Cup. Ten Hag however, will be hopeful that a FA Cup final win over rivals Manchester City on May 25, will be enough to keep him at the helm for next season.

The Dutchman is confident he will remain in charge, revealing initial meetings have already taken place in preparation for the next campaign.