Louis van Gaal appears to be getting thoroughly fed up with speculation linking Jose Mourinho to his job as Manchester United manager.
Sacked Chelsea boss Mourinho has been heavily tipped to replace the Dutchman at Old Trafford and is as short as 1/6 with some bookmakers to do so.
Van Gaal eased the scrutiny on himself somewhat by navigating the potential cup banana skins of Shrewsbury Town and FC Midtjylland this week.
But reports continue to link Mourinho to his position, and Van Gaal has described the rumours as “ridiculous” and “an absolute scandal”.
Yet the 64-year-old is not looking for Mourinho or United to calm the chatter. It is clear that he blames the media for piling the pressure on him.
He told TV channel RTL7, according to Sky Sports: “[Mourinho] has said things a number of times with a lot of words. But he does not have to tell me anything. I find the whole thing ridiculous.
“No, I don’t want United to do something either. I don’t even want them to react to things which I read in the media or which are being created.
“We, the club and I, are not going to help the media right now by denying things. I think what is happening is an absolute scandal.”
Mourinho has insisted this week that he would rather his next job wait until the summer, which might grant Van Gaal a few months to turn things around.
Although other reports have claimed that the Special One already has a contract offer for him waiting at United, and that the switch will definitely be made.
SEE MORE:
Manchester United could be without medial ligament victim for another month
Manchester United to back Mourinho with eye-watering €385m transfer warchest
Jose Mourinho sees England international as key asset in Manchester United rebuild