Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho Partnership Claims Rejected by Manchester United

Manchester United have reportedly rejected speculation that Louis van Gaal will become a director of football at the club and work alongside Jose Mourinho as manager. 

That's according to Sky Sports' Mark Ashenden, who cited unspecified sources in his report that the club will not be changing Van Gaal's role at the club in order to facilitate a partnership with Mourinho.

Neil Custis had previously reported as such in an exclusive for the Sun, as "Van Gaal remains popular with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward who still wants to use his vast footballing knowledge at the club," but he accepts the team is in need of a new manager.

ESPN's Alex Shaw gave his reaction to Custis' report:

Meanwhile, Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News could foresee the Dutchman becoming a director of football, but not necessarily at Old Trafford:

Speculation surrounding Mourinho and Van Gaal has been rife for months, with United failing to convince in the Premier League—and ultimately missing out on a UEFA Champions League place—as well as crashing out of the UEFA Europa League to eventual runners-up and bitter rivals Liverpool.

The Red Devils will contest Saturday's FA Cup final with Crystal Palace, but even a trophy may not be enough to satisfy many United fans after a largely disappointing and tedious season.

Custis' piece is the latest in a series of conflicting reports regarding Van Gaal's future and Mourinho as the likely candidate to replace him in the Old Trafford hot seat. Earlier in the week, Sky Sports News HQ reported the Special One is first in line if the Dutchman is relieved of his duties:

The 64-year-old is seemingly confident he will be manager next year, though, per the MEN's Stuart Mathieson:

While Van Gaal possesses a great deal of knowledge about the game and few can match his experience, directors of football have rarely had success in England, and it seems unlikely the pair would be willing to work together given their respective egos. 

Lifting the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium will give the Dutchman a stronger claim to staying in charge next season, but it won't stop the rumours surrounding his future.

As long as Mourinho remains available, he'll continue to haunt Van Gaal's future at Old Trafford.