Jose Mourinho has described his relationship with Manchester City rival Pep Guardiola as “positive”.
The Portuguese coach took over the reins at Manchester United last summer to renew his rivalry with Guardiola.
The former Spain international was named as Manuel Pellegrini’s successor at the Etihad Stadium at the start of 2016 before taking charge at the end of the season.
Guardiola limited Mourinho’s success during the Manchester United boss’ spell in charge at Real Madrid as Barcelona dominated the domestic and European scene under the ex-midfielder.
The pair had a testy relationship in Spain which was often reflected in their players’ performance on the pitch, with the El Clasico becoming embattled affairs.
However, Guardiola and Mourinho shared a civil first season in Manchester despite the Citizens winning 2-1 at Old Trafford in September before a goalless draw at The Etihad earlier this year.
And the Manchester United manager has rubbished talk of ill-feeling between the two coaches ahead of 2017-18 Premier League campaign.
“We were good friends and we showed that last season, that we could perfectly show the football world that our relationship is positive,” Mourinho told ESPN.
“Are we rivals? Yes. We want to win the same titles? Yes. But with the respect that we could show last season.”
Manchester United have signed Benfica defender Victor Lindelof and Everton striker Romelu Lukaku in the summer transfer window so far.
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