Mourinho was dismissed by Manchester United on Tuesday after they suffered their worst start to a season for 28 years.
And United announced on Wednesday morning that former striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would replace Mourinho until the end of the season.
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Sir Alex Ferguson’s former right-hand man Mike Phelan, who managed Hull in the Premier League two years ago, joins Solskjaer as first-team coach.
The pair will link up at United with Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna, who took training on Wednesday ahead of the caretaker manager’s first full day in the hotseat.
And with his career at a crossroads, Mourinho insists he will not comment about what went wrong at United.
”I have been immensely proud to wear the badge of Manchester United since the first day I arrived, and I believe all United supporters recognise this,” Mourinho said.
“Just as was the case with my previous clubs, I have worked with some wonderful people and I believe that some will be my friends for life.
“I know that you are all aware of my professional principles.
“Each time a chapter is closed I show my deepest respect and I don’t make any comments about my former colleagues.
“I hope the media will also respect my position and let me live my normal life until the moment I decide to return to football. Merry Christmas.”
Solskjaer said on his appointment: “Manchester United is in my heart and it’s brilliant to be coming back in this role.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the very talented squad we have, the staff and everyone at the club.”
Former Fulham centre-back Brede Hangeland hailed the appointment of Solskjaer as “massive” for Norwegian football.
“This is the biggest day in Norwegian football since the turn of the century. It’s massive, massive news,” said Hangeland.
“I have to say it’s somewhat unexpected.
“You can’t compare Molde in any way to Manchester United, but obviously he has this history.
“He has this reputation as a positive guy and we are delighted to see him get this chance.”
