Jose Mourinho Leaves Door Open to Manchester United Rumours

Jose Mourinho gave little away when asked how Manchester United's struggles might directly affect his own future.

The Red Devils’ hopes of landing a spot in the top four were dealt a major blow on Tuesday, as they lost 3-2 to West Ham United. It means they need rivals Manchester City to slip up on the last day against Swansea City if they’re to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

According to Charles Sale of the Daily Mail, asked whether this would influence his next career choice, Mourinho “smiled enigmatically” and said “there is plenty of time.”

As reported by Sale, Mourinho has been strongly linked with taking over from the role’s incumbent, Louis van Gaal, for much of this season.

The former Chelsea boss, managing a team of legends in an All-Star match in Mexico, also said, per Rob Harris of the Associated Press: “In July I will be back." He also stated pre-season would be “difficult” because of the fact his next club has already planned matches, games which aren’t necessarily suited to his requirements.

Eduardo Verdugo/Associated Press

United have already announced they will head to China as part of their pre-season preparations, meaning Mourinho could well be referring to the Red Devils in the aforementioned quotes. Additionally, the chance to manage a club of such prestige would appeal to the former Chelsea boss.

The Red Devils, looking set for a fifth-place finish, could definitely do with him too. With United toiling, Bleacher Report’s Rob Blanchette thinks it’s vital the club get someone of the Portuguese’s calibre through the door:

After all, Old Trafford used to be a venue where winning silverware was a habit under Sir Alex Ferguson, with titles coming regularly in the Premier League era.

But since the iconic Scot retired from management in 2013, United have let standards slip and look a long way off challenging for major honours.

Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Granted, that’s not all Van Gaal’s fault. The Dutchman has been tasked with reshaping the squad and bringing in young players, a process that was always going to make matters tougher on the field. But the sterile football, peculiar team selections and poor in-game management has left a lot of fans bewildered.

Writer Liam Canning thinks Van Gaal must shoulder the majority of responsibility for what has been a season to forget for the club:

Mourinho may not be a quintessential United boss in that he doesn’t typically promote longevity, something that has hindered his interest in giving young players a chance during his career.

This club needs revitalising, though, and his managerial style—forged on an unbending will to win—could spark United into life once again.

Van Gaal will lead the team out at Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup final on May 21, and you sense victory there would be a perfect way for the Dutchman to sign off his time at the club.

With the spectre of Mourinho looming, it’d be a huge surprise if that occasion wasn’t his final match in charge of United.