Manchester United confirmed today that Jose Mourinho had signed a contract extension that will keep him at the club in 2020. His previous deal was set to expire next summer.

A few months ago, questions were being asked over his long-term future at the club, following his flirtation with PSG and criticism of Ed Woodward over a lack of spending. However, United’s ambition in beating City to Alexis Sanchez has shown a clear meeting of the minds.

The club recognises that to keep Mourinho, and to keep him happy, we have to be more aggressive in the transfer market. Mourinho, in turn, appreciates the efforts the club is going to in order to secure the transfer targets he desires.

I feel happy. I don’t sign contracts if I’m not happy. I’m really happy with the trust, the empathy [at the club]… it’s a special contract for me because I’m used to signing new contracts after big achievements. Of course I’m happy to do that, but it feels like the trust, the empathy and the belief in my work is a consequence of that big achievement.

I did a new contract with Chelsea after being champions, at Inter after winning a scudetto, in Real Madrid after winning La Liga. In here, it’s a consequence of my work. We believe in each other, we are happy with each other. I think I am doing the things that the owners and the board feel are the right things to do for the future of the football club. They are showing me their ambition, their commitment and their desire to go in the right direction.

On top of that, my relationship with the players is really good so I’m really happy to sign the contract and to focus on the club I’m really happy to work at.

Success is possible when chopping and changing managers, as Chelsea have proven, but it is not the sensible way to go about achieving success. A long-term plan, as Sir Alex Ferguson always had, allows for pragmatic business in the transfer window as well as bringing through players from the academy.

I am really honoured and proud to be Manchester United manager. I would like to say a big thank you to the owners and to Mr Woodward for the recognition of my hard work and dedication. I am delighted they feel and trust that I am the right manager for this great club for the foreseeable future.

We have set very high standards – winning three trophies in one season – but those are the standards I expect my teams to aim for. We are creating the conditions for a brilliant and successful future for Manchester United.

My thanks, of course, go to my staff and to my players; without their empathy and friendship this wouldn’t be possible. I love my players and it is a pleasure to know that we are going to be together for at least the next three years. And I cannot finish without thanking the fans for their support and for making me feel at home so quickly. I repeat, to be Manchester United manager is an honour every day and I am really happy.