Chelsea's Willian: Manchester United will be stronger with Jose Mourinho

Chelsea star Willian believes Manchester United will be a stronger club with Jose Mourinho at the helm, but expressed his sadness that the Portuguese coach left Stamford Bridge in December.

United confirmed Mourinho as their new manager on a three-year contract on Friday morning as a replacement for Louis van Gaal, with the 'Special One' now expected to haul the Red Devils back into contention for major titles.

Mourinho has a solid track record of winning silverware in England, and indeed in Portugal, Italy and Spain, but endured a disastrous six months at the beginning of the season with Chelsea when the then-reigning Premier League champions lost nine top-flight games to leave them hovering above the relegation zone.

That resulted in Mourinho being sacked months after signing a new long-term deal, and Willian - who continued to put in solid performances for Chelsea throughout their poor campaign - admits the Portuguese's departure left a bitter taste in his mouth.

"Jose is one of the most successful coaches in the world and Manchester United will be stronger with him as manager," Willian is quoted by The Sun as saying.

"I played some of my best football under Mourinho. He is a special coach and I have a great relationship with him.

"Winning the Premier League with him was one of the highlights of my career. I was sad things didn’t work out after that."

Jose Mourinho signs for Manchester United

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When then asked whether he would consider linking back up with Mourinho at United, the Brazilian said: "I don’t think about that.

"I’m here on Copa America duty with Brazil and I’m not here to do interviews about other things.

He added about signing a new deal at Chelsea: "That is something my agent deals with."

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