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José Mourinho set for return to England at Manchester United

Kiran Stacey
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Mourinho may return to England as new Manchester United boss
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Mourinho may return to England as new Manchester United boss

The manager of Manchester United has added to speculation that he will be replaced by José Mourinho, one of the most high-profile football managers in the world and the self-styled "special one".

Louis van Gaal told a reporter, "it's over", as he left the Manchester United team hotel on Sunday morning after winning the team's first trophy since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.

Reports surfaced on Saturday night that Mr van Gaal was to be replaced in his job by Mr Mourinho, just hours after his team's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.

Speaking to reporters immediately after the match, Mr van Gaal said: "I show you the cup and I don't discuss [my future] with my friends of the media, who already sacked me for six months."

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"Which manager can do what I have done?"

When pressed on whether he would still be at Old Trafford next season, the Dutch manager replied: "I hope to see you. I don't want to talk about leaving this club." Asked the following morning to comment, he responded: "No, no, no. It's over."

The club is refusing to comment on the reports, which say the appointment is set to be unveiled in the coming days after the terms of the contract are finalized with the Manchester United board.

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A spokesperson for Mr Mourinho did not respond to a request to comment.

Mr Mourinho, known for his blend of charisma, self-confidence and tactical innovation, is one of Europe's most successful managers, having won the Champions League with both Porto and Inter Milan.

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He has an intense managerial style which, if his move is confirmed, Manchester United fans will hope will return the club to its former dominant position in English football.

Having won the Premier League 13 times under the leadership of Sir Alex, the club has struggled in the years since.

As well as achieving success on the field, Mr Mourinho has made a name for himself for colorful and spiky public comments.

His first spell at Chelsea began with a press conference in which he said: "Please don't call me arrogant, but I'm European champion and I think I'm a special one."

In 2014 he called Arsène Wenger, the long-serving Arsenal manager "a specialist in failure".

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The former Chelsea manager has pioneered a style of football that at times deliberately surrenders possession of the ball in order to hit teams quickly on the break.

The style, which was used by Leicester City in claiming this season's Premier League title, is in stark contrast to the "tiki-taka" passing football espoused by Pep Guardiola, the incoming Manchester City manager.

Mr Mourinho and Mr Guardiola have had a tempestuous relationship since Mr Guardiola was appointed ahead of Mr Mourinho as Barcelona manager in 2008. If Mr Mourinho's position is confirmed, it will add another layer of rivalry to next season's Manchester derbies.

Mr Mourinho's second spell in charge of Chelsea ended last December, just seven months after winning the league title.

At the time, Chelsea had lost 9 of 16 games and were just above the relegation zone. Mr Mourinho had reportedly fallen out with some of his own players and with the club doctor, Eva Carneiro. Ms Carneiro subsequently left the club and has since launched a constructive dismissal claim against Chelsea.