Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has asked Jose Mourinho to wait for another year before replacing Louis Van Gaal at Old Trafford, according to reports.
The Sun claim the Premier League club hoped Mourinho would take up the offer of a year in the Chinese Super League, while Van Gaal sees out the final 12 months of his three-year contract with United.
United’s move represents something of a u-turn after they initially held talks with Mourinho months ago about the possibility of succeeding Van Gaal. The Dutchman’s position is in jeopardy after a disappointing season which finds United in fifth spot in the Premier League, four points behind rivals, Manchester City, who currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League place.
It is an offer that Mourinho, who has been out of work since being fired by Chelsea last December, has turned down.
Mourinho has already said he wants to start his next job in the summer and United have already started to scout players he approves of, such as Benfica midfielder Renato Sanches.
While undoubtely a snub to the Portuguese coach, the news that he may still be on the lookout for a new club is certain to alert the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, who were reported to be pursuing Mourinho in recent months.
