Jose Mourinho makes his first Old Trafford appearance as Manchester United manager

Jose Mourinho appeared to be enjoying settling into his “new house” on Sunday as he made his first Old Trafford appearance since being appointed as Manchester United manager.

Just over a week on from being officially confirmed as United boss, Mourinho watched from the stands as an ‘England’ side of celebrities and former and current players beat a Rest of the World outfit 3-2 in the 2016 Soccer Aid match.

The 53-year-old Portuguese had received a warm reception from the crowd gathered outside when he entered the stadium ahead of the charity game, responding with a smile and a wave.

And shortly prior to kick-off, two pictures appeared on Mourinho’s official Instagram account – one of which was accompanied by the message: “An honour to host Pele at my new house.”

As well as that picture of the ‘Special One’ grinning and shaking hands with the Brazil great with a large United crest behind them, there was an image of Mourinho in the Old Trafford tunnel.

Mourinho also referred to the ground as his “house” in a short statement in the programme for the event as he expressed his delight at starting work at United.

He said: “I’m sorry I couldn’t be more involved tonight and I was sorry not to enjoy training with the England boys this week, but I am so happy and involved at beginning my job at Manchester United that all the time I have right now is working time!

“But I want to enjoy the game with…the crowd on this fantastic day at my house, Old Trafford.”

Mourinho had been billed as part of the ‘England’ side’s management team, although there had been some confusion over whether or how he would fulfil those duties during the event.

In the end, he did not go on the pitch or in the dugout, with Sam Allardyce leading the way on that front.

Indeed, in many ways, in terms of this being Mourinho’s first outing at his new workplace, it was a fairly low-key affair.

Certainly, it seemed a conscious attempt had been made to ensure he was not the centre of attention – something he surely will be in future visits.

But Mourinho undoubtedly looked happy to be there, as United were keen to point on Twitter.

A message appeared on the club’s official account in the first half, accompanied by a picture showing a beaming Mourinho in the stands, which said: “Jose looks like he’s enjoying life at Old Trafford already! #SoccerAid2016”

Television personality Mark Wright opened the scoring for England with a superb long-range free-kick before Sunderland striker Jermain Defoe and former Tottenham and United man Dimitar Berbatov scored twice apiece for their respective sides. Sky Sports and ITV presenter Ben Shephard was sent off for England.