Jose Mourinho Reportedly Rejects Italy, China Jobs to Wait for Manchester United
Jose Mourinho has turned his back on job opportunities in Italy and China after being told to "sit tight and wait and not accept any other offers" by an intermediary representing Manchester United.
Neil Custis of the Sun claimed the self-proclaimed Special One is "[waiting] for the call" from the Red Devils as manager Louis van Gaal's tenure capitulates at Old Trafford.
LvG watched as his side stumbled to defeat against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light, as United once again gave an abject account of their talents and worth.
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Custis said United had planned to part company with Van Gaal at the end of the season, but recent results could force them to install Mourinho sooner.
The journalist had previously claimed United could announce Mourinho's arrival by the end of February after the club achieved its worst-ever points total after 26 Premier League games. United also believe the move will appease supporters, who have struggled to advocate Van Gaal's lifeless tactics.
Guy Patrick of the Sun also reported the Dutchman is readying himself for the sack, and has only taken a short-term lease on his current rental property, which allows him to quickly depart the northwest.
Patrick cited a property expert saying: “It’s unusual for estate agents and owners to allow rolling monthly contracts, they normally like you signed up for six or 12 months. But I guess the goalposts change when the manager of Manchester United comes knocking on your door.”
Mourinho reportedly had contact with United as early as December through an intermediary, according to Custis, and the ex-Chelsea boss is convinced his "dream" of managing the club will now become a reality.
Former Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp also believes the union between United and Mourinho is not far away, telling satellite radio service Sirius XM (h/t James Dutton of Mail Online) the Portuguese coach is destined to move to Manchester.
"It hasn't worked out at all for Louis van Gaal at Manchester United," said Redknapp. "It's been a disaster for him—no doubt about that. From the people I know who are in the know, Jose Mourinho to United is a done deal."
It has been a baffling tenure from LvG during his 18 months at United, and despite significant investment in the Dutchman's philosophy, the team is now statistically worse than it was under David Moyes' management.
The Premier League has been an open race this term, ironically aided by Mourinho's failure at Chelsea, and United could have made a significant title challenge if they had slightly improved on last season's performance.
However, the team has regressed, giving the Glazer family only one option—to look elsewhere as they search for lost glory.
Mourinho needs a stage to fulfil his desires, and the Theatre of Dream is the perfect platform for him to return to English football in the most dramatic fashion possible.
