Jose Mourinho has claimed that becoming Manchester United manager is 'not a dream job, it is reality'.

The 53-year-old, who was sacked as Chelsea boss in December, was appointed as Louis van Gaal's successor in May on a three-year contract.

It was widely reported that Mourinho was keen to replace Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, but David Moyes was selected by the United hierarchy and the Portuguese coach returned to Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho eventually landed the job at Old Trafford after Van Gaal was dismissed with one year remaining on his contract.

In his first press conference as United boss, Mourinho told reporters: "This is not a dream job, this is reality. I think it is a job that everyone wants and not many have a chance to have and I have it and I know obviously the responsibility, the expectations.

"At the same time I know the legacy. I know what is behind me and the history of this club. I know what the fans expect from me and I think this challenge obviously doesn't make me nervous because my history in the last 10 years or more was always to meet the expectations of big clubs.

"I feel it comes at the right moment of my career. I feel very well prepared and very stable. I can say that I am where I want to be."

United will kick off the 2016-17 Premier League season away to Bournemouth on August 13.