Manchester United have begun negotiations with Jose Mourinho’s representatives about replacing Louis van Gaal at the end of the season, according to Manchester Evening News.
The Red Devils have been strongly linked with Mourinho, who is currently out of work having been sacked by Chelsea in December.
Van Gaal, 64, is still contracted to the club until the end of next season but he is widely expected to step down at the end of the current campaign following a rocky year.
United are currently five points adrift of fourth place having only picked up nine points in as many games from the start of December to the end of January.
Mourinho has previously been linked to the Old Trafford hot seat, but now appears closer than ever before to be named the next United manager, particularly after seeing city rivals Manchester City name Pep Guardiola as their new manager at the end of the season.
No manager in Premier League history has finished their first 100 matches with more wins than Mourinho (73).
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