Mourinho-Matic and famous manager-player duos

Suraj Radia

Updated: 14 Jun 2022 14:50 BST
6 min read

Jose Mourinho, Roma, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Nemanja Matic has joined Roma to link up with manager Jose Mourinho for the third time in his career.

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The Serbian is leaving Manchester United following the expiry of his contract, having signed for them under Mourinho in 2017.

Matic first played under Mourinho in 2014 when the Portuguese boss brought him back to Stamford Bridge from Benfica after he was initially sold by the club in 2011.

Having been labelled as a 'Jose Mourinho player' by the man himself, Matic's move to Roma is not the first time a manager has turned to a familar face.

FootballTransfers takes a look at some of the best 'dynamic duos' of players and managers.

Jose Mourinho and Ricardo Carvalho

Ricardo Carvalho established himself as one of the finest defenders in the world under Mourinho, across three different clubs.

The Portuguese star won the Champions League with him at Porto before joining Chelsea in a big money move and eventually reuniting with Mourinho at Real Madrid.

Rafa Benitez and Salomon Rondon

Rafa Benitez is known for his pragmatic management style and the Spaniard found his ideal forward in Salomon Rondon when the pair linked up at Newcastle in 2018.

Following a season on loan with the Magpies, the hard-working Venezuelan became Benitez's first signing for Chinese side Dalian and eventually joined him at Everton last summer.

Carlo Ancelotti and James Rodriguez

Should Everton cut their losses with an unhappy James Rodriguez? — © ProShots

James Rodriguez burst to global superstardom during the 2014 World Cup, prompting Carlo Ancelotti to bring him to Real Madrid.

The legendary coach then went on to sign the Colombian on a two-year loan with Bayern Munich before taking him to Everton during his stint with the Toffees.

Harry Redknapp and Niko Kranjcar

In one of the greatest love stories ever written, Harry Redknapp linked up with Croatian playmaker Niko Kranjcar at three different clubs during his career.

Redknapp initially brought Kranjcar to Portsmouth where their romance blossomed, before taking him to Tottenham when he was appointed there before finally signing him on loan at QPR.

Harry Redknapp and Peter Crouch

Another 'triffic lad', Peter Crouch played three seasons under Harry Redknapp, all for three different clubs.

Crouch was Redknapp's first signing during his brief stint at Southampton and he brought the big striker to south-coast rivals Portsmouth soon after before they shared a final season together at Tottenham.

Harry Redknapp and Jermain Defoe

Are you sensing a theme here? Redknapp had his favourites and Jermain Defoe was undoubtedly one of them.

The England forward played under Redknapp at West Ham as a youngster before joining him at Portsmouth and eventually leading his frontline at Tottenham.

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A post shared by Harry Redknapp (@harryredknapp)

Neil Warnock and Paddy Kenny

Redknapp's obsession with former players is no match for Neil Warnock's infatuation with Paddy Kenny as the pair linked up together an incredible five times during their careers.

The Irish keeper first signed for Warnock at Bury before following him to Sheffield United, QPR, Leeds and Rotherham over the course of nearly 20 years.