Back to the Manchester United Newsfeed

Jose Mourinho managed Benfica for a turbulent three months back in 2000... now 17 years on he returns with Man United in the Champions League

Jose Mourinho takes most things personally, but Manchester United's Champions League meeting with Benfica on Wednesday night means even more to him than usual.

Returning to Lisbon will be a trip down memory lane for the United manager - indeed, it is a rewind right to the genesis of his managerial career in 2000.

For often forgotten amid the many league and cup successes, the two Champions League triumphs, the many controversies, is that Mourinho's first manager job came at Benfica.

A youthful Jose Mourinho during his three-month spell as manager of Benfica back in 2000
A youthful Jose Mourinho during his three-month spell as manager of Benfica back in 2000
Mourinho was just 37-years-old when he was handed the chance to manage Benfica
Mourinho was just 37-years-old when he was handed the chance to manage Benfica
Mourinho is back at Benfica for Manchester United's latest Champions League assignment
Mourinho is back at Benfica for Manchester United's latest Champions League assignment

To be honest, in the grand scheme of things, it barely warrants mention on his glittering CV - just 11 matches at the helm - but it was nonetheless a launchpad for his managerial career.