Jose knows he will have to show why he’s Special
“So there is a connection based on empathy, but built on success.
“When the last two or three months of my time at Chelsea were a period of bad results, the fans kept that empathy and remembered our relationship.
“That is something I don’t forget. I will always be grateful to them because with me, they have always behaved in a fantastic way.
“There is one thing that Chelsea fans can be sure of now – I am 100% Manchester United.
“I want to win with United and make them the best, but I will always be respectful to Chelsea.
“It doesn’t matter what happens, I will never lose that feeling towards the club.”
Today’s encounter is quickly followed by a League Cup clash with neighbours Manchester City on Wednesday night.
While that offers a chance for revenge after Pep Guardiola’s City won 2-1 at Old Trafford in the league last month, Mourinho admits the game is not too high on his list of priorities.
“It is the League Cup, and honestly, in the four competitions we are involved in, that is the least important one,” he explains.
“We want to win the game and we want to win the League Cup – I have won it three times before and I will never throw it away.
“If you ask me if my focus is on the match one little bit, I would say no.
“The schedule has been tough but at least City are also playing today, so Pep has the same problems that I have.”