Frank Lampard has tipped his former boss Jose Mourinho to be a success at Manchester United and says he will bring the “X Factor” back to Old Trafford.
It was confirmed earlier this week that Mourinho will take over from Louis van Gaal, and he has been tasked with leading United to trophies after just one major cup success in three years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
Now Lampard, who enjoyed two spells under Mourinho at Chelsea, has backed the Portuguese to restore the club to former glories in what he expects to be one of the most competitive Premier League campaigns yet.
“Jose will have a massive effect at United,” he told The Sun. “He knows how to get a team winning by putting his own imprint on them. His personality reflects his teams and, looking from afar, Manchester United have needed that.
“They had a lot of quality in their squad but not much oomph. He has a base there but will bring in players and he will galvanise players. Jose gives them the X Factor – he did that at Chelsea. I know it didn’t end perfectly there but I can see him succeeding at United.
“Next season will be as competitive as it has been for a while because a lot of teams have something to prove. But he is a top manager and a team like United need a top manager. It’s brilliant for the Premier League that Jose is back. I had a great experience with him, especially during his first spell at Chelsea because he really helped me take my career onto the next level. I know what he brings to English football.
“I’m not a Manchester United fan but I don’t think anyone can say they aren’t licking their lips at the prospect of Mourinho, [Pep] Guardiola, [Jurgen] Klopp, [Antonio] Conte and [Arsene] Wenger all going up against each other next season.”
