Jose Mourinho is ‘confident’ that he will become the next manager of English giants Manchester United.
Current Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal is once again under pressure after his side lost 1-0 to Southampton at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The Dutchman was jeered and booed when waking to the tunnel after the full-time whistle, as executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and former manager Sir Alex Ferguson watched the poor performance from the stands.
The former Netherlands boss revealed after the game that he is personally disappointed not to fulfil the expectations of the supporters inside the Theatre of Dreams, which sparked rumours about him handing in a resignation letter.
Sacked Chelsea chief Jose Mourinho is confident that he will land the managerial position at United, according to The Times.
The hierarchy at Old Trafford have held initial talks with Mourinho’s representatives about him replacing Van Gaal next summer.
However, if poor form continues, the Dutchman could get the boot and Mourinho could be brought into the club straight away.
It seemed like Van Gaal came close to quitting his job after the loss against Saints, he said: “I’m very disappointed that I cannot reach the expectations of the fans.
“They have or they have had great expectations of me, and I cannot fulfil them, so I am very frustrated because of that.” he added.
United’s board will hold final warning talks with Van Gaal this week, claims Express Sport.
It is understood that the Red Devils will sack Van Gaal if his side lose in Friday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie with Derby County.
Mourinho is the bookies favourite for the job while current assistant coach Ryan Giggs is a close second.
Former Chief Executive and fans favourite David Gill believes Giggs may have to prove himself at another club before landing the manager’s job at United and claimed that Van Gaal had failed all expectations, he said: “IT has been a season of underachievement, given the investment that was made in the summer.
“I’m not going to sit here and say it [the football] is that attractive. What we did in the past was great. You have to have the players to do that.
“We need to stay calm and act with the club in mind in terms of proposals and targets, and where it is moving forward. The wider point is for Ed Woodward and the owners to discuss in which direction the club is going.” he added.
Drew Darbyshire (@DarbySports)
