Man Utd Squad Split Over Jose Mourinho Taking Charge

Ryan Giggs' Old Trafford role could have a question mark over it if Jose Mourinho becomes boss next season

Manchester United’s squad is split over the prospect of Jose Mourinho taking over. The Special One is in the frame to replace Louis van Gaal as boss this summer.

SunSport report continues:

But there is fear among players over where the popular Ryan Giggs may fit into Mourinho’s new regime.

The way things unravelled at Chelsea in the six months after winning the title has set alarm bells ringing among some senior stars.

There is also concern a major overhaul could lead to mass departures.

One player that could be at risk is Juan Mata, who was booted out by Mourinho at Chelsea.

Reports in Spain claim Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes was in London yesterday thrashing out a “maze of clauses” with United bigwigs over a three-year £300,000-a-week Old Trafford deal.

But SunSport understands Mendes was actually in the capital on unrelated business. 

Ex-Chelsea chief Jose Mourinho and current Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino could be rivals for the Old Trafford job Action Images via Reuters

SunSport told you this week that connections of Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino had also been sounded out.

The Argentine seems to have the support of Alex Ferguson.

But Old Trafford chief Ed Woodward is yet to turn to the legendary United boss, instead making decisions with co-owner Joel Glazer.

He has remained staunchly behind Van Gaal and would like to see the boss he appointed see out his three-year deal.

Ex-United defender Rio Ferdinand warns his old club must get it right this time.

He said: “We don’t want a repeat of what Liverpool have gone through.

“United don’t want that long time in the wilderness of not really being successful and not challenging for titles.”

Woodward could face a grilling from investors when the club publishes quarterly results today.

The executive vice chairman will hold a conference call on the figures as the New York Stock Exchange opens.

It will be the first time Woodward has spoken publicly since the last results and things have not gone well since then.

United crashed out of the Champions League in December and are now six points off the top four.

The prospect of missing out on the riches of Europe’s top competition for the second time in three seasons is likely to worry shareholders. 

Man Utd fan wears Mourinho scarf

FIVE QUESTIONS ED WOODWARD SHOULD ANSWER

1 LOUIS VAN GAAL achieved his target of a top-four finish last term. What is expected of him this season if he is to go into the final year of his contract?

2 WHAT is the financial impact of failing to reach the last 16 of the Champions League?

3 HOW will it affect the club if United finish outside of the Premier League’s top four for the second time in three seasons?

4 WHAT are the transfer plans for the summer, bearing in mind more than £250million has been spent by LVG?

5 WHAT are the long-term plans for the club’s Academy in light of the Under-18s’ recent disastrous form?