Contrary to popular belief, Jose Mourinho isn’t the current Manchester United manager.
Sure, he’s 1/4 favourite to succeed Louis van Gaal but, according to reports, the former Chelsea boss is growing worried about the lack of assurances that he’s been given by United.
The situation at Old Trafford is quite different to that across the city as Manchester City decided to take a different approach by outright stating that Pep Guardiola would replace current manager Manuel Pellegrini in the summer.
Man United have no agreement with Jose Mourinho. Risk losing their chance to hire him. #MUFC https://t.co/3OHF6VSg5W pic.twitter.com/UwUeH85aGT
— Duncan Castles (@DuncanCastles) February 14, 2016
Manchester United aren’t willing to do that, nor does Mourinho want a public statement that would undermine van Gaal, with whom Mourinho has a close friendship.
But The Sunday Times are reporting that the lack of a private pre-contract agreement from the club has led to concern from the Portuguese’s camp and that a delay in offering one could lead to United missing out on the 53-year-old.
“He [Mourinho] has made clear his interest in taking over at Old Trafford since leaving Chelsea in December. While United initially encouraged that interest, they have not attempted to secure Mourinho to a pre-contract agreement, or offered him any verbal guarantee that he will be employed as Louis van Gaal’s successor.
“That stance, coupled with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward’s insistence that he will not sack Van Gaal mid-season, has generated unease within Mourinho’s camp. The 53-year-old has not enjoyed his time on the sidelines.”
