LONDON • Chelsea captain John Terry believes his former manager Jose Mourinho will lead Manchester United back to the top.

The Portuguese was appointed manager earlier this week, following the sacking of Dutchman Louis van Gaal two days after leading the Red Devils to FA Cup victory.

And Terry, who won the Premier League three times as Chelsea captain with Mourinho as manager, believes the 53-year-old is the right man to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford.

"It's fantastic news for Man United," he told Sky Sports News.

"I'm sure the Man United fans and players will be delighted with that.

"I've said many times before, he's the best manager I've worked under and a real delight. It's a shame the way he finished at Chelsea this year but I wish him well because he's a great manager and a great man as well, he'll be great for Manchester United I'm sure.

Mourinho was fired from Chelsea last year just six months after leading them to the title for the third time - he is the most successful manager in the club's history.

But his move to United will allow him to renew rivalries with new Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. Sparks flew between the two when at the helms of Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain from 2010 to 2012.

"I think it's great for English football, not only what Leicester achieved last year with Claudio Ranieri coming in, Jose and Pep Guardiola up in Manchester, (Antonio) Conte coming to Chelsea as well, there's a real fight among the managers," said Terry.

"I think it's going to be interesting, not only for football in general but also for the Premier League."

United vice-captain Michael Carrick has urged Mourinho to prioritise results over an attractive style of play, despite British media reporting van Gaal lost his job because of his side's poor quality of football during his two-year reign.

"There is going to be change, without doubt. He is coming in and he is his own man, he's got an unbelievable track record. I know there is a lot of talk about styles, but it is about winning," the English midfielder told British media.

"You have to be No. 1, you have to be winning trophies, and if you can do that with a bit of style and a bit of flair then obviously that's the perfect match but, first and foremost, it is about winning and getting back on top."

REUTERS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE