Jose Mourinho has reportedly taken the unusual step of writing a letter outlining his case for the Manchester United job, in which he explained his desire for the post across six detailed pages.
The Independent claims that the Portuguese, sacked by Chelsea last month, has made a bold move to secure a gig that he has coveted for years as he senses the pressure building on Louis van Gaal.
The Red Devils lost 1-0 at home to Southampton yesterday to fall five points behind the Premier League’s top four, and Van Gaal walked away to boos from a bored and unsatisfied Old Trafford fanbase.
Mourinho worked under the Dutchman at Barcelona between 1997-2000 and is said to respect him greatly, but he remains in England and on the lookout for a new challenge, widely tipped to be United.
Some United officials are apparently opposed to Mourinho’s arrival – as they were when he was mooted to replace Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 – but the Special One aimed to address their concerns in his letter.
Among the things that he reportedly promised was to adhere to United’s principles of playing attacking football and nurturing young players – things that he has not always delivered in his career.
And he also presented an in-depth assessment of United’s current season and offered his suggestions on where improvements can be made, including a list of potential signings.
Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes has described reports of the letter as “totally absurd” – and it does seem unlikely that the 52-year-old would make this play with Van Gaal still in charge.
But it is becoming increasingly probable that the veteran tactician will leave United one way or the other in the summer, and Mourinho would be keen to ensure that his name is firmly in the frame.
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