Mourinho to be announced Manchester United manager - reports

Jose Mourinho is to be announced as Manchester United's new manager on Saturday following the FA Cup final, irrespective of the outcome of the match, according to news reports.

Incumbent manager Louis van Gaal's future at the club remains uncertain with the team failing to qualify for the Champions League this season. United will play in the Europa League next term despite spending over £250m on new players during Van Gaal’s two-year reign.

Although Van Gaal still has one year remaining on his current contract, Spanish newspaper AS reports that the announcement will be made on Saturday shortly after the FA Cup final, in which United face Crystal Palace - their last hope for a trophy this season.

The report claims that talks between Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes, and United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, were concluded earlier this week, with Mourinho signing a pre-contract to replace Van Gaal for the 2016/17 season.

The former Chelsea manager had declared earlier this month that he will be in a new job for the start of the season, but denied suggestions that he had already signed a deal with United or any other club.