Manchester United skipper Wayne Rooney is impressed with Coach Jose Mourinho since joining the club. Rooney says that the winning mentality of the Portuguese tactician has helped the Red Devils become title contenders again.

Manchester United have faced a terrible time since the exit of long time manager Sir Alex Ferguson. While many did not expect instant success or regular titles, the rate at which the top club slumped was incredible. After changing coaches three times, Rooney opines that Mourinho can help restore that winning mentality at Old Trafford.

“He’s obviously a top manager – I think his record at all clubs he’s been shows that. I think he knows what he wants from the players, and the players know what the manager wants from them. He’s strong in that sense but as long as you’re doing what he wants, then I’m sure you’ll be fine.

“I think you can see he has got a winning mentality – not that we didn’t have that already, but he’s certainly reminded us of that,” Rooney told GQ.

Under former coach Louis van Gaal, United won the FA Cup. This is the only major trophy that the club has since Ferguson’s exit. The rich history of the club, past and present, boasts of 20 Premier League titles – a record in England. This is aside two Champions League, of which Ferguson delivered.

Mourinho has the mandate to re-establish the club as a top side in Europe. United sit in sixth in the Premier League, 14 points off log leaders Chelsea but there is confidence that they can reach greater heights. United are favourites to lift this season EFL Cup when they play Southampton late February.

“We’re in a good position in terms of making the top four. Obviously our ambition was to try and be champions, which will be difficult now,” Rooney admitted but insists that the team now has a winning mentality.