Jose Mourinho set to be next Man Utd manager

Sources say former Inter Milan manager’s agent will fly to UK from China on Tuesday to finalise a deal

LONDON: Former Chelsea and Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho is set to become Manchester United manager, according to Sky Sports.

Reports claim that the hierarchy at Old Trafford have decided in principle to replace current manager Louis Van Gaal, after the former Bayern Munich boss failed to lead his side to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.

However, the Dutch manager helped United win their first trophy in the last three years on Saturday, when 10-men Red Devils beat Crystal Palace in extra time, thanks to a sublime strike from youngster Jesse Lingard in the second half of the extra time.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Sky Sports sources reveal that former Inter Milan manager’s agent Jorge Mendes will fly to the UK from China on Tuesday to finalise a deal.

Mourinho was sacked earlier this season from his former club Chelsea after a disastrous start to their title defense.

The 53-year-old self-proclaimed ‘special one’ has already won league titles in England with Chelsea, in Spain with Real Madrid, in Italy with Inter Milan and in Portugal with FC Porto, whereas he is one of the five managers who won the UEFA Champions League with two different clubs.

Rooney admits United fall short

Wayne Rooney admitted Manchester United have fallen short of expectations despite winning the FA Cup.

It appears the gritty victory over Palace, a success achieved with 10 men after Chris Smalling's red card, won't be enough to save van Gaal and United captain Rooney conceded the manager and his players had underachieved this term.

PHOTO: AFP

Asked about the pressure on van Gaal over the last few months, Rooney said: "That's part of playing for Manchester United and managing Manchester United. It's a massive club.

"You have to set yourself standards and we fell below them this season.

"Obviously we wanted to finish in the Champions League. I've said before that I'm disappointed where we finished this season.

"We have to make sure as a group of players we get back to those standards and we start challenging for the main trophies."

Rooney refused to directly answer questions about van Gaal's future, but the England star did offer an sympathetic view of his manager's perilous situation.

"My knowledge about that is nothing at all. That's a question for Louis Van Gaal," he said.

"I don't want to speak about Louis van Gaal leaving. He's still our manager and I think it's a bit unfair after we've just won the FA Cup to speak about him as if he isn't here.

"I think he's a good manager. I'm grateful he's helped us win this FA Cup."

United defender Daley Blind, a fellow Dutchman, said van Gaal was in good spirits after the final and loyally insisted he wants the coach to stay.

"It is a great atmosphere and the team is really close. The manager was very happy afterwards, like everybody else," Blind said.

"It is the first time I have heard that Jose Mourinho will take over. Do I want Louis van Gaal to stay on as manager? Yes. I just hope the manager stays."

United defender Smalling was in the dark about talk of Mourinho succeeding van Gaal.

"There's not been anything mentioned, just celebrations in the dressing room," he said.

"I've got no idea. We are just going to enjoy the celebrations."