José Mourinho has signed an extension to his contract at Manchester United in a move that sees him commit his future to the club until at least 2020, with the option of activating a further year.

United won the Europa League in the Portuguese’s maiden season with the club last term, to become the first manager to win a major trophy in his first year in charge. United are second in the Premier League, behind rivals Manchester City.

“José has already achieved a great deal as Manchester United manager and I am delighted that he has agreed to extend his commitment until at least 2020,” said executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward. “His work rate and professionalism are exceptional and he has embraced the club’s desire to promote top quality young players to the first team. He has brought an energy and a sense of purpose to everything that he does and I am sure that will continue to bring results for the fans and the club.”

Mourinho has confirmed Alexis Sánchez will go straight into the Manchester United squad for Friday’s FA Cup tie at Yeovil and believes “one of the best attacking players in the world” can only complement an already impressive front line.

“I have known Alexis for many years. I was in Italy when he was at Udinese, I was in Spain when he was at Barcelona and in England when he was at Arsenal. He can play on the left and on the right, as a striker and behind the striker. So he can play in four different positions, and as we have all seen, Alex has been successful in every role, in every country, for every manager. We want the best players possible and he is one of the best attacking players in the world.”

So is Cristiano Ronaldo, though Mourinho was unwilling to add to speculation that a possible return to United might be on the cards. “I think with the moment Real Madrid are having now I should be the last one to add fuel to the fire,” the United manager said. “I care about the club, I worked there for three years, so to put water on the fire instead I would say Cristiano is the kind of player every manager and club wants but only Zidane and Real Madrid can have him.”

The Guardian