Jose Mourinho "would love" Manchester United manager job

Jose Mourinho "would love" the chance to manage Manchester United, according to one of his confidantes.

The claim came from The Sun journalist Rob Beasley, who has interviewed the Portuguese coach several times in the past.

Mourinho was let go by Chelsea yesterday after two years back at Stamford Bridge, and with pressure mounting on United boss Louis van Gaal, speculation has intensified that he could move to Old Trafford.

The 52-year-old was previously a contender for the United job when Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and reportedly cried when the role instead went to David Moyes.

"He'd love to manage United," Beasley told BBC Radio 5 live. "The two clubs he always talked about were Liverpool, but that's gone now. He would have loved to have gone up there and reawakened Merseyside and won the league with them. The other was Manchester United.

"He thought - and Fergie thought - he was getting the job when Fergie was leaving, they had spoken about it. It seemed Fergie was setting Jose up to take over. But he ended up back at Chelsea.

"Manchester United, he would love it. Imagine Jose Mourinho walking out in front of the Stretford End and giving them the pump fists. 'What can we do? You're the 12th man.' The fans would go mental!"

Manchester United are currently fourth in the Premier League, while Mourinho's former side sit just one point above the relegation zone.