Jose Mourinho has revealed his favourite moment at Old Trafford is still Porto’s Champions League success in 2004.
The Chelsea manager makes his return to the Theatre of Dreams on Monday night just a matter of months after he masterminded Real Madrid’s 2-1 win against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in Europe’s premier club competition.
Madrid’s away success sealed a 3-2 aggregate triumph in the second round and ended Ferguson’s hopes of finishing his distinguished 26-year-old Red Devils career with a final tilt at the Champions League crown.
The 50-year-old’s latest Old Trafford win came nine years after the Happy One announced himself to the English public with a memorable touchline run following Francisico Costinha’s injury-time goal which knocked United out of the Champions League.
Of course, Mourinho’s Portuguese side went on to win the Champions League in 2004 courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Monaco in the final, and the Chelsea manager insists Porto’s triumph over the Red Devils remains his favourite moment at United’s stadium.
“My specific favourite moment over Manchester United? It would have to be the Champions League win with Porto because we became champions for the very first time with a last-minute goal. I think that is the one I want to remember,” Mourinho said.
He added: “I always say the same playing against Manchester United always gives me pleasure. I like it.
“Last season, when I was playing them in the Champions League knockout phase and everybody in Madrid was tense but at stage to play them made me happy.
“I like the stadium, I like the opponent, I like the difficulty of the game. I enjoy it.”