JOSE MOURINHO has agreed to become manager of Manchester United.
Louis van Gaal's turbulent two-year spell was brought to an end on Monday, with FA Cup glory unable to mask poor Barclays Premier League performances in terms of style and substance.
Talk began with Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes the following day and it is understood an agreement is in place for the former Chelsea manager to take the reins at Old Trafford.
Official confirmation looks likely on Friday after this week's negotiations were delayed due to discussions over Mourinho's image rights.
The Portuguese manager's second spell at Stamford Bridge came to an embarrassing end in December, with the Premier League champions looking to beat the drop rather than retain their crown when he departed.
A ninth league loss in 16 matches spelled the end of his reign, which the club's technical director Michael Emenalo pinned on "palpable discord" between the manager and his players.
Van Gaal meanwhile saw out the season and ended on a high note, beating Crystal Palace 2-1 after extra-time in Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley.
However, that did not make up for the pain of missing out on Champions League football, with United having wasted the chance to usurp neighbours Manchester City and sneak into the top four.
Europa League football awaits incoming boss Mourinho as a result, but Mourinho's arrival should mean big-name signings remain on the cards.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who the Portuguese managed at Inter Milan, is one such player and on Thursday signalled a move to Old Trafford could be on the cards.
The Sweden striker is leaving Paris St Germain this summer and confirmed he has had "concrete offers" from Premier League clubs.
Ibrahimovic did not mention United specifically but spoke of his admiration for and "great relationship" with his former boss Mourinho.
And when asked if there had been an offer from the Old Trafford outfit, Ibrahimovic paused for several seconds with a smile on his face, before saying: "Let's see what happens".
Asked if he has spoken to Mourinho in the past week, the 34-year-old frontman said: "I have spoken with him every day since I left Inter Milan.
"I have a great relationship with Mourinho and we are in contact, but not in the last weeks - we have been talking for many years."
Regarding the prospect of Mourinho taking over at United, Ibrahimovic said: "I think it is a great move - if you want action you bring Mourinho.
"I believe he is the man to take them back to the top.
"Wherever he went he has won. He knows what he is doing. If you want to win, you bring Mourinho.
"I had a fantastic time with him when I was working with him - so working again with him...?
"When I left Inter I said we had had a short time together but a great time. If we will work together again, I don't know. Let's see how things play out.
"I don't give guarantees - but there are concrete offers from the Premier League, so let's see what happens."
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