Manchester United legend Paddy Crerand has revealed that he was well aware of Jose Mourinho's desire to be the manager at Old Trafford in 2013.
The Red Devils confirmed the appointment of the Portuguese on a three-year deal earlier today with the option of extending it until 2020.
Mourinho, who had been out of job since leaving Chelsea in December last year, has spoken about his delight at being able to get the opportunity, with a number of club legends also welcoming the move.
Crerand, who played for Manchester United between 1963 and 1971, and also worked as an assistant manager for the side from 1972 to 1976, insists that he saw the desire in the 53-year-old's eyes when he interviewed him in 2013 while he was the manager of Real Madrid.
According to the 77-year-old, Mourinho, the then manager of Real Madrid, walked away "sheepishly" as he knew that his team were fortunate to go past the Premier League giants in the Round of 16 Champions League match.
relatedNewsStory
"When we interviewed Jose in 2013, when he was the manager of Real Madrid, I thought he was desperate for the job back then", Crerand told his club's official website.
"He loved it here and he lit up.
"When they beat us, he walked away sheepishly as he was fortunate to win the game.
"But I always got the impression that he wanted to come to Old Trafford."
Mourinho's first match in charge will be in a friendly against Borussia Dortmund on 22nd July in China.
