Wolves’ head coach won the Champions League under Mourinho in 2004 as Porto took European football by storm.
Since that memorable night in Gelsenkirchen when Porto defeated AS Monaco, Nuno has moved into management and will now face his former boss for the first time on Saturday.
“All the managers were a big inspiration, but I cannot lie, Mourinho was special, of course,” said Nuno. “What we achieved in those two years was a tremendous success.
“First, it will stay in our memories forever, second, the things we did and the way we were managed and the staff, all these moments we can take experience from. It’s a learning process, life.
“Every player through their career learns something from all the managers they’ve had. Experience gives you a lot you can take.”
Wolves have won back-to-back Premier League matches going into Saturday’s clash and Nuno is looking forward to seeing his players take on United with their usual, positive style.
“It’s going to be very difficult but like always we’ll go there, try to put our idea on the pitch, working very hard. We have to be very organised, but ready to compete and ready to enjoy the game.
“I know that we’ve prepared ourselves for the game well. We know the team we’re going to face, the players, the idea.
“They are getting good results, two wins in the Premier League and then one in the Champions League.”
Wolves supporters will travel to Manchester in their numbers as always and Nuno believes the club deserve to be playing in high-profile fixtures such as Saturday’s.
“We deserve this fixture because we did things well in the past, last season. It’s allowed us to go to one of the most difficult stadiums in the world and try to compete, and we will do so.
“I know the fans are going to be there and it’s a big support for the boys which they appreciate.”
