British media are reporting that the stage is set for Jose Mourinho to finally put the rumours to bed and replace Louis Van Gaal at the helm in Manchester United.
While Van Gaal seemed to be under the impression that his position is safe for next season after their FA Cup win yesterday, reports say that Mourinho is expected to negotiate the terms of his new contract at United this week.
Mourinho has been unemployed since being dumped out of his role at Chelsea last November, after his Premier League winning side capitulated dramatically under his supervision. Following his departure, the Blues eventually went on to finish 10th in the table.
Similarly, Louis Van Gaal has endured a tumultous season at United. Following their exit from the Champions League at the group stages, they crashed out of the Europa League at the hands of their domestic rivals Liverpool. And to compound matters further, they recently missed out on Champions League qualification following a 3-2 defeat to West Ham on their second last outing of the season.
The rumours and speculation has been brewing consistently all season, and now it appears as though the three-time Premier League winning manager will be appointed as Van Gaal's successor.
So you start building a team around young talent like Martial, Rashford and Lingard. And then you appoint Jose Mourinho.
Makes sense.
— Elko Born (@Elko_B) May 21, 2016
According to The Guardian, Mourinho has already agreed a salary and has discussed possible transfer targets with the club. He is likely to be presented as the new boss, once his agent Jorge Mendes has finalised his contract details.
But the intense speculation has not been well received by the Man United camp. According to Sky Sports, the club have no plans for an FA Cup victory parade, and are believed to be angry that the Mourinho news is spoiling their first piece of silverware since Alex Ferguson's departure.
When probed by the media, Van Gaal had an understandably curt reply to their inquiries about his future. He told Sky Sports:
"I show you the cup. I don't discuss [my future] with the media."
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