Ed Woodward stood his ground
It is understood that Manchester United have given Jose Mourinho assurances in the last two days that he will become the club’s manager as of next season.
Speculation of the former Chelsea chief replacing Louis van Gaal has been ongoing for the majority of the season, but it is believed that it will come to fruition in the summer.
United’s chief executive Ed Woodward was under pressure to sack van Gaal just after Christmas, however, he stuck with the Dutchman and now the Red Devils still have a chance of finishing in the top four.
He could even lead the Old Trafford club to their first FA Cup in almost 12 years when they take on Crystal Palace in the Wembley final on May 21.
The breakthrough of youngsters has been positive
There were reports that van Gaal’s introduction of quality youth players such as Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford, as well as the signing of Anthony Martial, had Mourinho worried he wouldn’t get the job after all.
Despite these worries, it is claimed that Mourinho will take over regardless of how United finish the season – meaning that van Gaal will leave without leading the club in the final year of his contract.
