Sources told ESPN FC on Thursday night that representatives for United have met with representatives for Jose Mourinho, a possible successor for Van Gaal should he leave Old Trafford this summer.
Advertisement
The report claims van Gaal is “expected” to end his Theatre of Dreams nightmare at the end of the season, one year before his contract runs out.
Telegraph Sport understands that Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has had conversations with United – although the Portuguese super-agent regularly holds talks with executives from many Premier League clubs as part of his regular business.
Mourinho, 53, left Chelsea in December, just seven months after guiding the Blues to the Premier League in convincing fashion, with everything falling apart at Stamford Bridge this term.
In a dramatic twist for Manchester football, it means he would resume his toxic rivalry with Pep Guardiola, who was announced last Monday as City’s new boss for next season.
The England skipper and winger Jesse Lingard put the back-to-back wins over Derby and Stoke down to Van Gaal giving his men greater licence to express themselves. While no agreement has yet been reached, United have refused to deny the speculation that they want Mourinho as their next manager.
He said: “I have the feeling that when we shall beat Chelsea – and that is not simple, that is very hard, since Guus Hiddink has been there they don’t lose any more – I think our competition, our league is starting again”.
‘It is especially so with Wayne Rooney who is saying that because he has scored seven goals in a row.
Louis van Gaal has dismissed a suggestion from captain Wayne Rooney that his players have been granted extra freedom in their play and insists nothing has changed in his footballing philosophy.
Advertisement
The magazine reported that Manchester United managers believe that Mourinho’s arrival will constitute a motive for many players to sign with the Red Devils. Not to have set up talks would have been a dereliction of duty.
