Jose Mourinho welcomes Louis van Gaal to the Premier League

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has welcomed the arrival of Louis van Gaal, who has been confirmed as <Manchester United’s new manager-- and signed a three-year contract to take the reins at Old Trafford after the completion of his World Cup campaign with the Netherlands.

The 62-year-old Dutchman will face the Stamford Bridge chief in the Premier League next season and Mourinho had nothing but praise for his new rival.

“He is a great football manager and I am happy he joins me in the same country and the Premier League.

“But more important than that, he’s a great guy, a great man and I wish him good,” the Special One told reporters.

The pair will be in direct competition for silverware at the top of the table during the next campaign and while Mourinho has offered early pleasantries to van Gaal, it will be an intriguing spectacle to see how their relationship unfolds with few managers spared from Mourinho’s jibes or mind games in England’s top tier.

Meanwhile, after the disastrous campaign the Red Devils endured under David Moyes, with it widely believed the Scot did not control the dressing room van Gaal’s no-nonsense managerial style has been tipped to be a success.

Several of United’s squad that performed poorly last season are undoubtedly in need of a few home truths as the club look to restructure their team and challenge for silverware, with former assistant manager Mike Phelan, who worked under Sir Alex Ferguson, adamant van Gaal’s attitude will help him adapt to his new role.

“I’ve met [Van Gaal] a couple of times and he’s got a very strong personality about him.

“But at a club like Manchester United, that’s what is required. You have to hit the ground running and I’m sure he will do.

“There’s been a lot of talk about Van Gaal and his methods but he does the job a manager has to do and he’s a very good coach,” Phelan insisted.

Manchester United (7th) finished 18 points adrift of Chelsea (3rd) in the final 2013/14 Premier League standings.