Woodward: Mourinho's appointment reflects Manchester United's determination to return to 'pinnacle' of football

Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward says the appointment of Jose Mourinho shows the club is determined to return to the "pinnacle" of the sport as they look to write a new chapter in their history. The Red Devils sacked their former manager Louis van Gaal just days after he guided them to the FA Cup triumph and replaced him with the Portuguese tactician.

The Old Trafford club won their 20th title in Sir Alex Ferguson's final season at United. Since then, they have managed to add one Community Shield and FA Cup to their trophy cabinet before Mourinho's appointment.

United have added Eric Bailly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Paul Pogba to their squad in the summer transfer window. The France international was re-signed by United from Juventus for a world record of £89m in August.

The Premier League giants suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Pep Guardiola's Manchester City on 10 September, which was United's first loss of the 2016/17 season. Despite the defeat, Woodward explains the mood at the camp remains positive as the Red Devils look to challenge for silverware.

"In May we announced Jose Mourinho as our new manager. He needs no detailed introduction, having won 23 trophies in 13 years," Woodward explained, as quoted by the Mirror.

"His appointment is a reflection of the club's determination to return to the pinnacle of our sport.

"Despite the result on Saturday, there is positive momentum behind the team this year and we expect this season to be one of the most exciting in the Premier League's history.

"We've also signed some top-class players in Bailly, Mkhitaryan, Pogba and, of course, Ibrahimovic. These players will better position us to challenge for trophies in the coming years. We are writing the next chapter in our history."