Jose Mourinho and Manchester United relishing battles

From modest, hesitant beginnings, and a mid-season slump that had a permanent frown tattooed across the face of Jose Mourinho, slowly but surely the legendary manager is rebuilding his reputation and, more significantly, that of Manchester United.

That was the conclusion to draw from an FA Cup fifth-round visit to struggling Championship side Blackburn in which United trailed, drew level and then, eventually, won thanks to a bold double substitution from Mourinho.