Jose Mourinho's Manchester United Hopes Allegedly Linked to Eva Carneiro Case

Jose Mourinho's chances of taking over from Louis van Gaal at Manchester United are reportedly dependent on the outcome of his impending tribunal over Eva Carneiro's dismissal from Chelsea.

That's according to the Daily Mail's Kieran Gill, who reported Dr. Carneiro's legal action against both Mourinho and their former club puts his shot at the United hot seat "under threat."

Per Gill, Carneiro is pursuing "substantial damages" from the Blues for constructive dismissal and suing Mourinho for "alleged victimisation and discrimination."

Carneiro is also hoping for a public apology, according to news reader Zora Suleman:

The manager demoted the club doctor after branding her and physio Jon Fearn "impulsive and naive" for treating Eden Hazard—which required the player to leave the field as 10-man Chelsea chased an elusive winner in their 2-2 draw with Swansea City on the opening day of the season. Carneiro left the club six weeks later.

A hearing to discuss a possible settlement in the case—which Mourinho did not attend—was held in London on Monday, but Carneiro "shook her head" when asked if a settlement had been reached. Her legal team would not comment on the matter.

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

The full details of the 42-year-old's departure from Stamford Bridge will be revealed in June "with Mourinho’s text messages and emails likely to be used as evidence in a full tribunal."

While many Red Devils fans would welcome the Special One, there may be some opposition to the idea of Mourinho fitting in at Old Trafford given his history of controversy.

Nevertheless, Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News believes Mourinho is the obvious candidate to lead United next season:

With the case seemingly set to rumble on until the summer, it's understandable United may want to hold off on recruiting him until the matter is settled.

Unless they stick with Van Gaal—which seems unlikely barring a sustained turnaround in form and Champions League qualification—the club will have very few options available to them this summer.