Mourinho set to replace Van Gaal as Manchester United manager

Manchester United are set to appoint Jose Mourinho as their new manager, BBC Sport understands.

It is believed a deal with the 53-year-old Portuguese was agreed in principle before United's FA Cup final win against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Red Devils secured their first major trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013 with a 2-1 win in extra-time against Crystal Palace.

Moments after the final whistle, reports emerged that Mourinho would replace Van Gaal at Old Trafford next week.

But the former Chelsea boss has refused to confirm whether he is bound for Manchester, instead only congratulating United on their win at Wembley.

Asked by Sky Sports what he made of Van Gaal's triumph in the final, Mourinho said: “Many congratulations.”

He shook his head when asked if he had a message for United fans and would not respond to questions about whether he was excited for talks with the Red Devils next week.

The BBC are reporting that the Van Gaal will be told on Monday that his services are no longer required and that Mourinho will take charge on Tuesday.

With United failing to qualify for the Champions League under Louis van Gaal, the Old Trafford hierarchy is thought to have decided a change is required.

Mourinho has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in December but has been linked with the United job ever since.

Spanish newspaper AS this morning claimed Mourinho will receive an £11.6m-a-year salary at United and has demanded executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward give him licence for a complete squad overhaul.

Manchester United Champions league hope revitalized as Manchester City draw against Swansea

Manchester United hope of qualifying to next season's UEFA champions league is renewed after Manchester city draw with Swansea

Manchester United face one of the toughest tests since their existence as they fight for a Champions League spot with only one match to go. Currently sitting at the sixth place, two places below their rivals Man City, the Red Devils need a miracle to qualify for next season’s Champions League action.

Mathematically, Louis Van Gaal’s men can still qualify for the coveted European competition but only if they beat Bournemouth by not less than 19 goals. Sounds impossible? No. In the world of football, anything is possible.

The Red Devils will face The Cherries at a yet-to-be-confirmed date following the abandonment of their planned fixture due to security concerns at Old Trafford. A suspicious package that was discovered inside Old Trafford triggered the attention of fans and officials who had turned up for the crunch tie. The match was postponed to allow bomb experts and law enforcers to comb the stadium for dangerous packages.

Back to the race for a Champions League spot, the two city rivals are separated by three points, but Manuel Pellegrini’s side has a higher goal difference of 18 goals. Hence, Louis Van Gaal’s men need to score at least 19 goals to topple the Etihad outfit from the fourth spot.

Failure to secure a Champions League spot and the FA Cup could mark the final days of LVG’s career at Old Trafford.

Reason why Manchester United's match against Bournemouth was abandoned

Manchester United's match with Bournemouth has been abandoned after a suspicious package was found at the ground.

Supporters in the Stretford End and Sir Alex Ferguson stand were ordered to leave the ground after a 'Code Red' emergency was declared just before kick off.

The game was expected to be suspended for 45 minutes but has now been cancelled altogether.

United confirmed that a suspiscious package has been identified in the ground. 

They said: "Kick-off is delayed at Old Trafford after a suspect package was found in the North West Quadrant. Police are inspecting, more to follow."

The alarm was raied and "Operation Code Red" was declared.

A statement read: "We would like to thank Manchester United's staff, the police and other emergency services for all their efforts today as well as rearranging the match for this coming Tuesday.

"Both Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth's management has been extremely helpful in reaching a swift resolution, which is the best possible given today's events."

United will refund all tickets and allow ticket holders from both clubs to watch Tuesday's re-arranged game for free, while Manchester United season ticket holders will also be given a credit.

It is a gesture that is estimated will cost United around £3m.

Mourinho signs deal with Manchester United to replace Van Gaal

After months of speculation, Mourinho has put pen to paper and committed to the Old Trafford club from next season, according to a report in his native Portugal.

It is believed he has not fully agreed terms with United, but has signed on in principle to assume the position currently held by Louis van Gaal.

The club had hoped to wait until the end of the season to make an announcement.

But they have been forced to bring it forward after news of Mourinho’s signing the contract leaked out in his native Portugal.

United bosses reckon Mourinho is the only boss in world football who can take on Pep Guardiola, who will take charge of neighbours Manchester City.

And Starsport understand Old Trafford top brass have promised Mourinho a massive war chest of up to £300m to rebuild the team.

That could include Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is open to a move to United but doesn't want to play under Van Gaal.

The two previously have worked together at Inter Milan.

Manchester United coach announces exit after poor performance

Manchester United U-18 coach McGuinness announces exit after a poor performance of his team.

McGuinness was a United academy product and is the son of former Red Devils manager Wilf McGuinness.

He has been in charge of the Under-18s since 2005 but has overseen a dramatic slump in standards.

With his side bottom of the Premier League's Under-18 North Division after taking just 11 points from 19 matches this season, McGuinness has stepped down.

In a club statement, McGuinness said: "It has been an honour and a privilege to follow in my father Wilf's footsteps and to serve Manchester United in a variety of roles for a total of 28 years

Jose Mourinho optimistic of joining Manchester United

Chelsea's ex manager Jose Mourinho is very  optimistic of joining Manchester United after some widespread reports that Manchster united will appoint a new manager as next next summer. 

The manner in which UK media are speculating over who the next manager of Manchester United will be, it often makes you forget that they do have one in place.

Louis van Gaal wants to continue at Old Trafford and see out his contract at the end of the next season, but widespread reports suggest that Manchester United will appoint a manager as early as next summer.

Few names have popped up, but judging by the media reports, it seems that former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is emerging out as strong favourites to take over the managerial job at Old Trafford.

According to reports from the Express (not a reliable source) Mourinho has told his close friends that he will be joining United, and the situation is as good as ‘done deal’

Wednesday’s Daily Express back page –

Jose: Take it as Red#tomorrowspaperstoday

#mufc #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/y5JDbkNa2U

— Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) February 9, 2016

A similar report has been covered by the Daily Mirror as well. They claim to have got the info from a source close to Mourinho. 

Wednesday’s Daily Mirror back page: United job is MINE#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers#mufc pic.twitter.com/Ll8PxEhIKB — Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) February 9, 2016

United manager Louis van Gaal reacted angrily when asked recently to comment on the speculation surrounding his future. He told reporters that the reports of United had been in talks with Mourinho were nonsense.

Whether or not there are any truths in these reports, one thing is clearly evident – Mourinho is indeed United’s first choice to replace Van Gaal at Old Trafford. United have a tradition of strongly supporting their manager, but with the club currently six points adrift of a Champions League place, a change of manager is highly on the cards.

Van Gaal demotes Manchester United forward to U-21

Van Gaal demotes Manchester united forward Memphis Depay to U-21 after calamitious error in sunday's premier League clash against Chelsea.

The Dutchman was selected for his first-ever appearance for the development team after his calamitous error against Chelsea.

Depay meekly surrendered possession during a swift break and the champions took full advantage by scoring a 90th minute equaliser through Diego Costa to snatch a 1-1 draw.

The 21-year-old was strongly criticised by United supporters for his sloppy play in the wake of what had been a fine performance by the visitors.

Depay has subsequently been named in Warren Joyce’s Under-21s team to face Norwich at Old Trafford on Monday night.

The winger joins three fellow first-teamers in the side, with Sergio Romero, Adnan Januzaj and Phil Jones, who is making his comeback from an ankle injury, all selected.

They are joined by emerging stars Guillermo Varela, Andrea Pereira and Paddy McNair, who have all play for the senior side this season.

Mourinho to be appointed Manchester United manager July 1

Jose Mourinho will take over as Manchester United manager from July 1, according to reports by the Spanish press.

The Portuguese manager’s agents have reportedly had talks with the Old Trafford hierarchy and is set to take over from the under fire Louis van Gaal.

The report in Spanish newspaper Marca, has even claimed the exact date of Mourinho’s arrival, noting that the 53 year old will take over in the summer, allowing Louis van Gaal to see out this season. 

The Dutchman is apparently keen to retire from management as he has faced brickbats from the Old Trafford faithful this season, but would like to leave on cordial terms.

Marca have also reported that Mourinho would not prefer to take over mid-season as he has worked under Van Gaal in the past and would not like to respect the Dutchman’s final year in management. Should Van Gaal, who has the support of the Old Trafford hierarchy for the moment, walk away from the job beforehand, Ryan Giggs will reprise his role as caretaker manager until Mourinho takes over in the summer.

Conflicting reports in British press

British outlet Independent, on the other hand are reporting that while talks are underway, the power brokers at United are said to favour Laurent Blanc and Mauricio Pochettino over Mourinho. 

The Tottenham Hotspur manager has impressed the Old Trafford board members by getting Spurs to 3rd in the Prmeier League table, where they are above Manchester United in 5th, with one of the Glazer family being very keen on hiring the Argentinian.

However, ESPN are reporting that Mourinho’s camp is confident of getting the job, as Manchester United are concerned with Pep Guardiola’s arrival. 

The reluctance to appoint a relatively inexperienced manager with the Spaniard in competition has meant that Ryan Giggs will not get the job, despite support from within the club. 

This is also seen as a negative for Pochettino’s chances, as the United board reportedly feels Argentine needs a few more years to be considered ready.

Another factor in Mourinho’s favour is his weight in attracting potential acquisitions to Old Trafford – the Portuguese manager is seen as someone who can entice players to the club, as opposed to those who are competing with him for the job.

Earlier, Mourinho had reportedly gone on a charm offensive, allegedly writing a six page ‘love letter’ to Manchester United, outlining why he was suited for the role. With Louis van Gaal increasingly likely to leave at the end of the season, if not earlier, the chances that Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho will face off in a mouth watering Manchester derby next season are quite high.

Van Gaal admit he will quit Manchester United if this happens

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has warned he will quit Old Trafford if he loses the support of his players.

Van Gaal has come under fire this season for his conservative tactics and United’s subsequent failure to play the kind of entertaining football that was their hallmark during the Alex Ferguson era.

United fans have occasionally shown their displeasure by booing the team’s dour performances and even more worrying for van Gaal, it has been reported that several players are unhappy with his dull style.

That would be a big blow to the Dutchman’s credibility and, while van Gaal insists he has a good relationship with his players at present, he made it clear he would have no qualms about quitting if the situation soured.

“The most important thing is the chemistry between players and staff,” Van Gaal told reporters on Friday.

“And when I have the feeling that the chemistry is there, I will always work to my utmost best.

“But when I have a single feeling that it is not like that, I’m the first coach that quits and I have proved that already with my former clubs and former jobs.

“Yes, of course because I always gave my clubs structure and I think structure is very important in a club, but also in a company, everywhere.”

When asked about his relationship with his players, Van Gaal said: “It’s good.”

Yet, as Van Gaal pointed out, he has walked away from clubs of his own accord during his 24-year management career.

After falling out with a number of players, Van Gaal left Barcelona during his second spell at the club and he quit his role as Ajax technical director following a power struggle with then manager Ronald Koeman.