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Jose Mourinho 'keen on return to Manchester United'

Jose Mourinho 'keen on return to Manchester United'
© Reuters
Jose Mourinho wants to return to Manchester United for a second spell as head coach, according to a report.

Jose Mourinho allegedly believes that he has 'unfinished business' at Manchester United and wants to return to Old Trafford for a second managerial spell.

The 61-year-old is currently out of work, having left Roma earlier this month, and he has since been linked with the Barcelona job following news of Xavi's upcoming departure.

According to the Daily Mail, though, Mourinho's number one target is to return to Man United, with the Portuguese 'making it his mission' to take charge of the 20-time English champions for a second time.

The report claims that the experienced manager is of the opinion that he would thrive at Old Trafford under the leadership of incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Mourinho previously managed Man United between May 2016 and December 2018, winning the EFL Cup, Community Shield and Europa League during his time at the club.

Jose Mourinho pictured during a Manchester United training session on September 18, 2018© Reuters

Since leaving Old Trafford, Mourinho has been in charge of Tottenham Hotspur - between November 2019 and April 2021 - and Roma, with his time at the Italian club coming to an end on January 16.

Mourinho won the Europa Conference League with Roma in 2021-22, while he has also lifted a host of trophies during his time in charge of Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

Erik ten Hag's position as head coach of Man United continues to be called into question, with the team suffering 14 defeats already during a disappointing campaign.

The Red Devils finished bottom of their Champions League group to exit Europe altogether, while they are currently down in ninth position in the Premier League table.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag on December 6, 2023© Reuters

Man United are 11 points off fourth-placed Aston Villa and eight from Tottenham Hotspur in fifth, with the team facing a huge battle to qualify for next season's Champions League.

The club's only realistic chance of silverware this season comes in the FA Cup, where they are present in the fifth round of the competition.

Ten Hag is not thought to be in any immediate danger of losing his job, with Ratcliffe and his INEOS team prepared to give the Dutchman a chance to put together a consistent run with a squad which has been boosted by the returns of a number of players from injury.

However, the 53-year-old's long-term future is far from secure, and he could potentially leave Old Trafford this summer if Man United decide to pursue a change in direction.

Ex-Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea manager Graham Potter is currently seen as the favourite to replace Ten Hag should a change occur.

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Written by
Matt Law

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