Mourinho waiting in wings at Old Trafford
MANCHESTER United will unveil José Mourinho as their new manager in the next few days after agreeing a deal for him to take over from Louis van Gaal, even before the Dutchman has been dismissed.
Speculation over van Gaal’s job overshadowed what would otherwise have been a joyous day for Red Devils as a man-of-the-match performance from captain Wayne Rooney inspired them to a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace at Wembley.
This was underlined in a farcical post-match press at which the FA Cup-winning manager turned up with the trophy in his hands, and placed it on the table in front of him.
“I show you the Cup, I don’t discuss my future with the media,” he said. “Some of you have had me sacked already.”
It is widely understood van Gaal will leave United this week after two seasons in charge.
United finished fourth in the league in his first campaign and won the FA Cup on Saturday but went out in the group stage of the Champions League before elimination at the hands of Liverpool in the Europa League.
Meanwhile, Portuguese Mourinho, who Chelsea in December after falling out with his players who suffered a catastrophic loss of form, turned down an offer from Paris Saint-Germain in the hope that United would come calling.
Reportedly, negotiations took place in the last few days after United had missed out on fourth place in the Premier League and therefore a Champions League berth.
The Guardian said Mourinho had already agreed a salary and has discussed possible transfer targets with the club and is likely to be presented as United’s new manager once his agent, Jorge Mendes, has finalised the finer details of the contract.
No comment has been forthcoming from the Old Trafford club with New York Stock Exchange listed United obliged to make any official announcement there first.
