The Middlesbrough boss is a close friend of the Red Devils manager from their time together at Real Madrid, but that will count for nothing on Saturday
Aitor Karanka has hailed Jose Mourinho for his impact on his coaching career but is determined to go for the win against Manchester United.
Middlesbrough visit Old Trafford on Saturday hoping to halt United's five-game winning run in all competitions and give a boost to their own Premier League survival push.
It will be the first time that Karanka, who was appointed Real Madrid assistant by Mourinho during his spell in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu, will get the chance to face his mentor as a manager in his own right.
And although he is full of praise for Mourinho, he is not willing to grant the United boss any favours.
"I spent three amazing years with him at Madrid," he told a news conference. "It will be nice to see him. At the end of the game, we will share a glass of wine or beer or coke.
"I have to say thanks to him and to his staff so many times. I am in the Premier League because I learnt a lot with them.
"They gave me the last push to become a manager. We are really good friends and have a really good relationship.
"I never go to a game aiming for a draw. We will go to Old Trafford preparing and trying to win.
"Sometimes I analyse and I find similarities with us. But I have to do something different because he knows me. I will try, but it's difficult to surprise Jose."
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