Manchester United announces departure of manager Jose Mourinho

Manchester United has announced that manager Jose Mourinho has left the club with immediate effect.

In a statement the club said it would like to thank Mourinho for his work during his time at Manchester United and to wish him success in the future.

“A new caretaker manager will be appointed until the end of the current season, while the club conducts a thorough recruitment process for a new, full-time manager.”

Manchester United shares fell 1% in pre-market trading on news of Mourinho’s departure

United are currently sixth in the Premier League table, 11 points outside of the lucrative Champions League places.

They have only failed once to qualify for the Champions League in more than 20 years, in the 2016-17 season, although that was mitigated by winning the Europa League in Mourinho’s first season.

The Portuguese was appointed to the United role two-and-a-half years ago.

Mourinho, 55, won the FA Cup and the Europa League during his tenure at Old Trafford.

However, this season has been their worst start to a league season since 1990-91.

They lie 19 points behind bitter rivals Liverpool, who beat them 3-1 in their league game on Sunday.

The tame manner of the defeat prompted speculation immediately after the game that the clock was ticking on Mourinho’s time at the Red Devils.

Among the front-runners to replace him is Spurs’ boss Mauricio Pochettino, who has built an attacking side full of flair and guile, qualities which have been in short supply at United in recent months.

In the meantime, it is believed that former player, Michael Carrick, could be the ideal short-term replacement as a caretaker boss.