Jose Mourinho Press Conference: Key Takeaways from Manchester United Unveiling

Jose Mourinho took part in his first press conference as Manchester United manager on Tuesday and couldn't resist aiming digs at his predecessor Louis van Gaal and old enemy Arsene Wenger. 

Per Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News, the Special One appeared to aim barbs at the Dutchman, who spent much of his time at United discussing his philosophy, and the Arsenal boss, who has now gone 12 years without winning the Premier League title:

As noted by Kevin Palmer of the Sunday World, he also revealed he hoped the fans would be able to put their disappointing time under David Moyes and Van Gaal behind them:

Mourinho said it was a job that everyone would want to take, per Per Sky Sports Football:

According to the Mirror's Jacob Murtagh, he added: "I know the responsibility, expectation and the legacy of this club. I know what the fans expect from me. This challenge doesn’t make me nervous."

He singled out one man in particular who had harboured dreams of getting the job, though—United legend Ryan Giggs, who departed the club on Saturday after 29 years as a player, coach and assistant manager. According to Sky Sports Football, Mourinho distanced himself from Giggs' decision to leave:

Per Murtagh, he added:

"

From this moment he wants to be a manager. Sixteen years ago I decided the same. Ryan made his decision. 

He could be what he wants at the club. The club wanted to give him any important job but he made a decision.

He was brave and honest, so good luck. If he wants to come back then I will never stop him.

"

The Portuguese did note his frustration at the lack of UEFA Champions League football on offer after United finished fifth last season, per Metro's Chris Winterburn:

Unsurprisingly, fourth place in the Premier League appears to be the bare minimum he will accept next season, but he wants his players to look beyond that as the target for the year:

According to Sky Sports Football, he expanded on his aims at the club:

Per Murtagh, he defended his record of bringing through young talent following his vow to do so at Old Trafford: 

"

I have promoted 49 youth players from Academies. If you want, I can give you that list. Two factors that are very important on these records, because sometimes you promote because you don’t have another chance or so many injuries, you have to bring them in.

The second factor is when you are not playing for big targets then it is easier to bring them up. My record of injuries is very, very low. I never promote players because of a need—I do it because of conviction.

"

In regard to one of his most senior players, Wayne Rooney, Mourinho revealed he did not envision the 30-year-old's future being in midfield, where he spent much of his time for United last season and with England at the 2016 UEFA European Championship:

"

There are many jobs on the field. One of hardest to find is the one that puts the ball in the net.

He will never be a number six or playing 50 metres from the goal. To be there and to put the ball in the net is the most difficult thing.

He will be a nine, a 10, a nine-and-a-half... but not a six or even an eight.

"

Per ESPN FC, he added:

Lastly, he gave an update on the club's progress in the transfer market, with a third signing seemingly set to join Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic shortly, per Sky Sports Football:

Further, according to Murtagh, he is aiming to have his business done early: "We are not making the fourth signing on August 31, no way."

The press conference appeared to be a real statement of intent from Mourinho—he's here to get the Red Devils back to winning ways after three disappointing years, and, as ever, he's not afraid to hold back when discussing his predecessors or his rivals.

The Special One is an expert at talking the talk, and throughout his career, he's had equal success in walking the walk.

As he faces Antonio Conte's Chelsea, Pep Guardiola's Manchester City and a whole host of other challenges, this season could be the biggest of his career.

He's aiming to restore the bullish winning mentality United enjoyed for so long under Sir Alex Ferguson, and the confidence he's instilling in his players and the fans will be vital going forward.