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.

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.

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.

Manchester United are not Champions league title contenders - Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal says he does not think Manchester United are capable of winning the Champions League this season.

United sit second in Group B ahead and are yet to secure a place in the round of 16 ahead of their clash on Tuesday against Wolfsburg.

But even if they do progress to the first knockout stage, the Dutchman has suggested they need to strengthen further to be in with a chance of competing with the likes of defending champions Barcelona.

"I don't think that we are able to win the Champions League now," he told reporters. "Maybe next year when we strengthen our selection again.

"We can beat anyone on our day, but normally we are not good enough to win the Champions League, but we shall try to do everything."

United have opened the door for Liverpool - Van Gaal

Manchester United have allowed Liverpool back into the race for UEFA Champions League qualification with their meek 3-0 defeat at Everton, according to Louis van Gaal.

Van Gaal's team were well beaten at Goodison Park on Sunday, with goals from James McCarthy, John Stones and Kevin Mirallas giving Everton a richly deserved victory.

United have now lost back-to-back two Premier League games for the first time under Van Gaal's leadership after last week's defeat to Chelsea.

Liverpool have two matches before United next play, meaning Everton's neighbours could be just a point adrift of Van Gaal's men by the time they kick-off against West Brom next Saturday.

And when asked whether United's blip has given Liverpool fresh hope of a top-four place in his post-match media conference on Sunday, Van Gaal replied: "Yes, I have said the same words to the players: 'You give the light to your opponents.'" 

Manchester united have improved since November - Van Gaal

Man United were playing well at the Etihad but Chris Smalling‘s red card meant they were fighting against it from that point onwards and United’s efforts ultimately ended in vain as the game finished 1-0 to City.

However, United head into the derby this weekend in great form having won their previous five Premier League games and van Gaal is confident his team have evolved and improved since November.

“It was another Manchester United [last November], I believe,” van Gaal said after the Aston Villa game.


“That was more in the start of the process and now we are in the end of the process.

“Now we have developed the team. I think also the confidence of our players is very high at the moment but also our performances show that, so it’s not the same Manchester United.”

Even in November, United were actually the better team at the Etihad, in spite of Smalling’s red card, but there is certainly far more confidence among fans heading into this derby game.

Liverpool away is the toughest match of the season yet United put in their most dominant performance, so a home game against a City side going through indifferent form is not as daunting a prospect.

That being said, you can’t underestimate the intensity of a derby and form usually counts for nothing as Liverpool showed at Anfield but after a few years of dreading the derby knowing City were the better side, this game has an altogether different feel about it leading up to kick-off.

United know they have what it takes to come away with three points and if they can execute a game plan as well as they did at Anfield, City will struggle to get into the game.

Anfield win one of most important in my career - Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says the 2-1 victory against Liverpool on Sunday is one of the most important of his career.

The two Premier League giants went into the game at Anfield with United in fourth place, two points above their opponents in the race for UEFA Champions League qualification.

Juan Mata's brace - either side of Steven Gerrard's dismissal for stamping on Ander Herrera within a minute of coming on as a substitute - earned the points for United, with Daniel Sturridge's goal and Wayne Rooney's penalty miss adding further late drama.

With eight Premier League games to go, Van Gaal's side now have a five-point cushion over Liverpool and appear in good shape to return to European football's premier club competition.

"It is the moment that we are coming back and we beat Liverpool again," Van Gaal said.

"They were in a fantastic shape and we beat them with their own weapons, with pressure on the ball in the first half.

"And now the gap is one point [behind Arsenal], five points ahead of Liverpool and six ahead of Tottenham and Southampton.

"The moment to win is important. One of most important moments of my career, I think.

"There are still eight matches to go. When you are a very good top player or top manager or top club that Liverpool is, then you have to deal with defeat.

"Manchester United has also dealt with defeat, Arsenal in the FA Cup at home. We never lose at home and then we have to play against Tottenham and Liverpool away.

"You have to manage that as a player, as a manager, as a club and Liverpool can do that also."

United is my last job - Van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal says the job will be his last of a decorated career.

The Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford after guiding Netherlands to third place at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Van Gaal was tasked with returning United to the UEFA Champions League after David Moyes' ill-fated spell in charge last season.

The 63-year-old has won seven league titles with four different clubs in three separate countries, but says he will retire whenever his reign at Old Trafford comes to an end.

"This is my last job. For sure," he told the Telegraph.

"I have to pay attention to my kids, my grandchildren but also to my wife. They deserve it. Now I cannot pay that attention.

"I was not at the birthday of my grandson for example. I don't like it.

"My wife wants to quit now already! Five years ago! I'm not married to my job. Of course, I am 24 hours a manager, but I am also 24 hours a father of my children, grandfather of my grandchildren and I am always 24 hours lover of my wife.

"I am married to my profession, more than with her. I see my PA more than my wife."

Van Gaal also praised United captain Wayne Rooney and his team-mate Michael Carrick, who the Dutchman says often come to him to discuss the game.

"He [Rooney] is very open to learn. It's amazing," he said. "I don't know if he speaks with his wife Coleen about football, I don't think so.

"But we have the process of talking here. Most of my players of my selection are open and that's very nice.

"Carrick is more or less a trainer-coach. He is also willing to talk about shapes and systems. That's nice. Rooney also.

"Not every player is very open and then you have to convince him, and then you get a struggle. It works or it doesn't work. Give them time. Also give me time to do it."

Van Gaal fumes at suggestion of poor relationship with Giggs

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has reacted angrily to suggestions he has a poor relationship with assistant Ryan Giggs.

Reports of a feud between the pair were fuelled on Wednesday by their respective reactions to Ashley Young's late winner in a 1-0 Premier League victory at Newcastle United.

Both rose to their feet from the bench, but Van Gaal swiftly turned to Giggs, shouting and waving a clenched fist in his face.

Van Gaal's joy was not replicated by the Welshman, who remained stony-faced after seeing another stuttering performance from his side at St James' Park.

When pressed on the matter at a news conference on Thursday, Van Gaal said: "I cannot answer that," before sarcastically repeating: "We have a very bad relationship."

Re-assuming a more serious tone, Van Gaal continued: "I'm very irritated by this question.

"We have a very good relationship, everyone can see that we work very hard together, and that goes for all the staff and players.

"I'll take this up with the media, I'm not pleased."