According to Sky sources, Jose Mourinho has been told that the Manchester United job is his this summer, if Louis van Gaal is sacked.
It is arguably one of football’s worst kept secrets that the Portuguese tactician wants the Old Trafford post, but has been forced to bide his time as the season has dragged to its conclusion for the Red Devils.
While Van Gaal may be able to salvage something from the campaign by winning the FA Cup this weekend, it remains to be seen if it is enough to ensure that he sees out the final year of his contract at the club.
If it is decided that it isn’t, then according to Sky Sports, Mourinho will be appointed as his successor this summer and will land the job that he has been seeking for some time since being sacked by Chelsea last December.
On-going speculation over a deal not being in place has led to frustration and confusion on the outside, as questions continue to be asked over whether or not Van Gaal will stay next year.
The Dutchman is understood to have played a part in planning for pre-season, as reported by The Express last month, thus giving the impression that the club’s hierarchy envisage that he will remain in charge for another year.
However, the former Ajax and Netherlands coach has faced significant criticism this season over his style of play and results, with United set to miss out on the Champions League once they end their campaign against Bournemouth on Tuesday night.
In turn, with growing calls for a change to be made, it now comes down to whether or not the United board opt to sack Van Gaal, with Mourinho waiting in the wings and ready to take up the position from next season onwards.
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