Manchester United to appoint former Chelsea boss !

NEW BOSS: Incoming Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho

The Portuguese tactician will replace Louis van Gaal in the next three days despite the FA Cup final victory over Crystal Palace, according to the BBC.

It's claimed a decision was made following the defeat to West Ham earlier this month, with Mourinho agreeing a deal in principle with the Red Devils ahead of yesterday’s Wembley triumph.

And he will assume his role early next week when Van Gaal is sacked despite having a year still left to run on his Old Trafford contract.

His arrival would mean that winning the FA Cup was the Dutchman’s final act as boss, two years after replacing David Moyes.

Mourinho has refused to comment on the latest reports but did congratulate Van Gaal on his success at Wembley.

Van Gaal meanwhile would not be drawn on his future in his post-match press conference and insisted he was thinking about how to improve United's squad for next season.

“I show you the cup. I don't discuss it with 'friends' of the media who sacked me six months ago, which manager could do that? I don't want to talk about leaving the club,” he said.

“I said when I started as manager that we are in a process of transition. I have already said this a lot of times and I am repeating myself.

“I have to refresh my squad and I have done that in spite of many injuries this season and I have lifted the cup and that's a title. It was three years ago since the club have done that and I am very proud that I am the first manager after Sir Alex Ferguson to have done that.

“I believe in refreshment of my squad but it depends on what players we purchase, you cannot stay with the same squad.

“Last summer I wanted fast wingers and we didn't do that. You are thinking everything is possible at Manchester United but it's not. We have a bigger chance than others because we are a rich club."

Though some of the United hierarchy preferred Ryan Giggs, it’s Mourinho who will be charged with the task of rebuilding United’s reputation on the world stage.

He’s been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in December 2015 but will return without Champions League football after United could only manage a fifth-placed finish.

Spanish newspaper AS claim he will receive an £11.6m-a-year salary and has demanded executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward give him licence for a complete squad overhaul.

United captain Wayne Rooney was asked about Van Gaal's future but said he was in the dark and that it was up to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward or the Ductman himself to decide what happens.

"I know nothing at all. That's a question for Louis van Gaal or Ed Woodward. It's nothing to do with me," he told Sky Sports.

"I don't want to speak about how Louis van Gaal has been because he's still our manager and he's still in his job. I think it's unfair after he's led us to win the FA Cup that we speak about him as if he's not here.

"I think he's a good manager and we are grateful for him helping us win this FA Cup. It's down to him or Ed Woodward to decide what happens."

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