Sir Bobby offers open arms to Jose

SIR Bobby Charlton appears to have put past reservations about Jose Mourinho becoming Manchester United manager behind him after welcoming the Portuguese at the club's Carrington training complex.

Charlton offered Mourinho his congratulations and said he was "happy to see you here" despite previously doubting the former Chelsea boss's credentials for the Old Trafford job.

TOUR

Mourinho (53) and long-time assistant Rui Faria joined Charlton, United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and head of elite development John Murtough on a tour of the club's training centre after the ex-Inter Milan and Real Madrid coach was confirmed as Louis van Gaal's replacement last Friday.

A video of the meeting, released on the club's official website, is likely to be seen as an attempt by the club to draw a line under Charlton's comments about Mourinho back in 2012 during his time as coach of Real Madrid.

Charlton criticised Mourinho for poking Barcelona's assistant coach Tito Vilanova in the eye during a heated touchline clash, saying at the time: "A United manager wouldn't do that.

"Mourinho is a really good coach, but that's as far as I would go really.

"He pontificates too much for my liking."

Charlton's comments raised doubts that Mourinho's mind games and sometimes confrontational manner would rule him out of ever taking on the job at Old Trafford.

Mourinho is scheduled to start work with those United players not involved in Euro 2016 or the Copa America when they report back for pre-season training on July 4.

Meanwhile, United midfielder Michael Carrick has signed a new contract, according to Paddy Crerand. Carrick's previous deal with the Red Devils was set to end this summer after 10 successful seasons at Old Trafford.

However, Crerand, who made over 300 outings for United between 1963 and 1971, appeared to let slip that the 34-year-old has agreed fresh terms with the club.

Crerand said: "Something that happened that nobody has mentioned, and I'm delighted that he has signed another contract: Michael Carrick. He's signed a contract for another year.

"There was a situation where it looked as if his contract was up at the end of this year and that was it, but from what I'm gathering he's there for another year."

Carrick has claimed five Premier League titles during his time at United, and has also won the Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup since signing from Tottenham in 2006.

New boss Mourinho has already tied down Marcus Rashford and fellow academy graduate Cameron Borthwick-Jackson to new deals but there has been no official confirmation from the club on a contract being agreed with Carrick.