Claudio Ranieri believes that The Special One's arrival to Old Trafford will bring back the glory days for the Red Devils.

Leicester City's boss Claudio Ranieri shared his thoughts on the impact José Mourinho will have with Manchester United. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian manager wished his Portuguese colleague good luck, and went as far as stating that the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss could be as influential as Sir Alex Ferguson was for the club.

"Mourinho can become the new Ferguson. He will not stay in Manchester for 26 years, but he will make his mark," Ranieri stated.

Ranieri's words may be surprising, since Mourinho wasn't that kind to him when he took over as Chelsea's manager back in 2004. 

Leicester City and Manchester United are set to kick off the 2016-2017 season, when both teams collide in the Community Shield match on August 7.

"Losing one or two UCL games will make us realize if we can rise to the challenge"

As the Foxes get ready to defend their EPL title next season, the challenge of playing in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League is something that seduces the Italian tactician, but the team must be wary of their chances and be able to bounce back if things don't go how they want them to.

"Playing the UEFA Champions League will be a fascinating adventure, but it will require a great amount of energy, both physical and mental. Losing one or two games will test us and make us realize if we can rise to the challenge," Ranieri added.

Considering that the team lost one of the most influential players after N'Golo Kante decided to join Chelsea, Ranieri considered that having Jaime Vardy around will be crucial to fight to win the continental tournament.

"Having Jamie around is huge. It's a sign for the rest of the teams. When we play our first UCL game, they'll know we mean business," Ranieri concluded.

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Hull City 2 - 1 Leicester City

August 13, 2016 7:30amKCOM Stadium (Hull)

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AFC Bournemouth 1 - 3 Manchester United

August 14, 2016 8:30amVitality Stadium (Bournemouth, Dorset)

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