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ManU To Appoint José Mourinho As Replacement For Louis Van Gaal

José Mourinho is "set to be appointed" the new ManU manager in the next few days "after agreeing a deal to take over from Louis van Gaal," according to Romano & Wilson of the London GUARDIAN. The Dutchman won the FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday "and seemed to be under the impression that he would still be in charge next season, but is now certain to be replaced" by Mourinho. The Portuguese manager, "who left Chelsea under a cloud in December last year, turned down an offer" from Paris St. Germain in the hope that ManU "would come calling" -- and negotiations "took place in the last few days" after ManU had missed out on fourth place in the Premier League and "therefore a Champions League berth." Mourinho has already agreed to a salary "and has discussed possible transfer targets with the club and is likely to be presented" as the club's new manager once his agent, Jorge Mendes, has finalized the "finer details of the contract." ManU’s plan "had always been to keep Van Gaal in the job for three years before handing over to someone younger, such as Ryan Giggs." But the "lack of progress on the pitch and the fact that many of the club’s new signings failed to improve the team meant that the club decided to end the deal with one year remaining." The FA Cup-winning manager "turned up to speak at Wembley with the trophy in his hands, and placed it on the table in front of him." Van Gaal: "I show you the Cup, I don’t discuss my future with the media. Some of you have had me sacked already. ... I don’t want to talk about leaving. I am proud that I am the first United manager after Sir Alex Ferguson to win a trophy. I have had a picture taken with Sir Alex, because that is history" (GUARDIAN, 5/22).

'IT'S OVER': In London, Sean Gibson reported van Gaal "appeared resigned to his fate" as outgoing ManU manager on Sunday morning, telling a reporter outside his team's hotel, "It's over." As he left the hotel he "refused to speak to the press beyond his two-word lament in response to a question from a Sky Sports News reporter." However, the club "has attempted to clarify that their manager merely meant that the season was over, and no more." Former ManU and England player Phil Neville said that "the new boss should bring a return to success for the Old Trafford club." Neville: "[Mourinho] is a proven winner, a proven champion. United fans want a team that will challenge for the league title, not a team that finishes seventh or fifth, and Jose is probably the man for the job" (TELEGRAPH, 5/22).

MEETING SCHEDULED FOR MONDAY: In London, Mark Ogden reported with Joel, Bryan and Avram Glazer "all at Wembley to witness the FA Cup Final victory against Crystal Palace," the three club directors "are understood to be planning to resolve Van Gaal’s situation at a meeting in London on Monday," which will also involve Exec Vice-Chair Ed Woodward. The club is determined "to ensure Van Gaal’s departure is handled in a dignified manner, with the Dutchman’s contract paid up for the remaining year of his contract." The former Ajax, Bayern Munich and Barcelona coach "could yet be offered an ambassadorial role by the club, who have been impressed by the work he has done behind the scenes at Old Trafford" (INDEPENDENT, 5/22). In London, Richard Arrowsmith reported Van Gaal's press conference "sounded like a valedictory justification of his two years at the club." He said, "We showed the same spirit we have shown all the way to the final and when you do that, you can be very proud as Manchester United manager and as fan when you receive the Cup. I have said when I started as a manager that we are in a process on transition. I have to refresh my squad and I've done it and despite the many injuries this season, we are still in the race and now we have lifted the Cup. That's a title. And it is three years since United had a title" (DAILY MAIL, 5/22).

LACK OF COMMUNICATION: The BBC's Roan & Stone reported van Gaal left the club's London hotel on Sunday "without being told by the club" that Mourinho is "set to succeed him as manager." It is understood neither the Dutchman nor his coaching staff "have been told what is happening" by Woodward. Other members of van Gaal's Old Trafford staff "are believed to be unhappy at the lack of communication from the club's hierarchy" (BBC, 5/22). In London, Kiran Stacey reported the club "is refusing to comment on the reports." A spokesperson for Mourinho "did not respond to a request to comment." Mourinho, "known for his blend of charisma, self-confidence and tactical innovation, is one of Europe’s most successful managers." As well as "achieving success on the field," Mourinho has "made a name for himself for colourful 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" (FINANCIAL TIMES, 5/22).

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