It is the second occasion Mourinho has travelled to west London as an opposing boss. The first, when with Inter Milan in 2010, ended in dumping his old employers out of the Champions League.
That defeat did not stop Chelsea fans singing about the Portuguese – and he was given a rousing reception before the last-16 second leg as well.
Mourinho’s name was read out over the club’s PA system and met with lengthy chants of his name from many in the home sections.
His return with United will be different this weekend. Staff at Chelsea still remain fond of Mourinho but are mindful of the importance Sunday’s game has on their own Premier League aspirations under Antonio Conte.
Mourinho will be warmly greeted by Chelsea officials but after taking up a position with a Premier League rival there will not be the same celebratory feel as with Inter Milan six years ago. As such, he will be treated like any other visiting boss.
The 53-year-old would usually be expected to remain down in London to spend time with his family but should make a quick exit with the squad after full-time as they prepare for Wednesday’s EFL Cup game against Manchester City.
There is also the acrimonious fallout following Mourinho’s departure last year, including an embarrassing constructive dismissal case filed by Eva Carneiro.
Mourinho and Chelsea agreed to a settlement stretching into the millions with the former doctor, who accused the former of victimisation and discrimination, claiming he labelled her a ‘daughter of a whore’ during an unedifying incident at the beginning of last season.
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