'Mourinho signs', United to confirm deal on Friday

Louis van Gaal's uncomfortable two-year residency was brought to an end on Monday, with FA Cup glory unable to mask poor Premier League performances in terms of style and substance.

Talk began with Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes the following day and it is understood an agreement is in place for the former Chelsea manager to take the reins at Old Trafford.

Minor details are being ironed out but it is a case of when rather than if the Portuguese is appointed manager.

Official confirmation looks likely on Friday after this week's negotiations were delayed due to discussions over Mourinho's image rights.

European Union Intellectual Property Office records show former club Chelsea own the trademark to 'Jose Mourinho' for a number of goods up until 2023 and 2025 respectively.

Chelsea refused to comment on the matter, but, given they retained the trademark when Mourinho managed Inter Milan and then Real Madrid, it never looked a serious barrier to the deal.

The Portuguese called United a "monster club" in October but they, much like their new manager, have reputations to rebuild.

Mourinho's second spell at Stamford Bridge came to an embarrassing end in December, with the Premier League champions looking to beat the drop rather than retain their crown when he departed.

A ninth league loss in 16 matches spelled the end of his reign, which the club's technical director Michael Emenalo pinned on "palpable discord" between the manager and his players.

Mourinho was swiftly linked with the United job as pressure mounted on Van Gaal, the man he once assisted at Barcelona.

The divisive Dutchman saw out the season despite that scrutiny and ended on a high, beating Crystal Palace 2-1 after extra-time in Saturday's FA Cup final.

However, that did not make up for the pain of missing out on Champions League football, with United having wasted the chance to usurp neighbours Manchester City and sneak into the top four.