Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has hinted that he might look for a job outside the English Premier League, if not offered a job at Old Trafford. Speculation involving a potential move for Mourinho to the Manchester club has been on the horizon ever since Pep Guardiola was declared as Manchester City’s next manager. However the lack of interest shown from United has led to uncertainty regarding the Portuguese coach’s future.
During the last couple of months, various rumours involving Mourinho and Manchester United were flying around. There were unconfirmed reports about Mourinho confiding with friends about his appointment as the United manager. Manchester United’s poor form has added fuel to these speculations.
The uncertainty over Louis van Gaal’s career and Manchester City signing Guardiola as their new manager definitely indicated a change in management at Old Trafford. However recent positive results and Ed Woodward, United’s Executive Vice-Chairman, declaring his faith and confidence in Van Gaal has led to this uncertainty over Jose’s future.
Manchester United are currently holding the fifth position in the league table with 41 points. They are six points behind their local rivals Manchester City and twelve points behind the leaders Leicester City. With 13 matches still to be played, Van Gaal would be under pressure to improve United’s standing.
If United finishes this season in the fourth position, the club might retain the services of their current manager. However, if Van Gaal fails to qualify his team for the UEFA Champions League, it is almost certain that he would be removed. If that happens, Mourinho would be in pole position to take over.
On July 1st, Pep Guardiola will take over as Manchester City’s head coach and it is expected that Manchester United will appoint someone of a similar calibre. Mourinho has never been shy of expressing his admiration for Manchester United but if he is not given the job at Old Trafford, he would look for a club outside the Premier League. He is also open to managing top-flight clubs in Portugal but a potential switch there seems unlikely at the moment.
