The manner in which UK media are speculating over who the next manager of Manchester United will be, it often makes you forget that they do have one in place.

Louis van Gaal wants to continue at Old Trafford and see out his contract at the end of the next season, but widespread reports suggest that Manchester United will appoint a manager as early as next summer.

Few names have popped up, but judging by the media reports, it seems that former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is emerging out as strong favourites to take over the managerial job at Old Trafford.

According to reports from the Express (not a reliable source) Mourinho has told his close friends that he will be joining United, and the situation is as good as ‘done deal’. 

Wednesday’s Daily Express back page –

Jose: Take it as Red#tomorrowspaperstoday

#mufc #bbcpapers pic.twitter.com/y5JDbkNa2U

— Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) February 9, 2016

A similar report has been covered by the Daily Mirror as well. They claim to have got the info from a source close to Mourinho. 

Wednesday’s Daily Mirror back page: United job is MINE#tomorrowspaperstoday #bbcpapers #mufc pic.twitter.com/Ll8PxEhIKB — Nick Sutton (@suttonnick) February 9, 2016

United manager Louis van Gaal reacted angrily when asked recently to comment on the speculation surrounding his future. He told reporters that the reports of United had been in talks with Mourinho were nonsense.

Whether or not there are any truths in these reports, one thing is clearly evident – Mourinho is indeed United’s first choice to replace Van Gaal at Old Trafford. United have a tradition of strongly supporting their manager, but with the club currently six points adrift of a Champions League place, a change of manager is highly on the cards.