Jose Mourinho congratulated Louis van Gaal and Manchester United on winning the FA Cup – but refused to comment on his future.
The Portuguese is set to replace Van Gaal at Old Trafford despite United’s extra-time victory over Crystal Palace.
Mourinho could be appointed as early as next week with the former Chelsea boss set to meet Old Trafford executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and a number of Glazer family members on Sunday for talks.
He was in London on Saturday night to watch David Haye ease past Arnold Gjergjaj.
And as he departed the O2 Arena, he was asked about his imminent switch to Old Trafford.
Mourinho remained silent when posed questions about whether he had agreed to replace Van Gaal, before being asked for his thoughts on United’s Wembley success.
“Many congratulations,” he replied.
Van Gaal had hoped that he would have been given the opportunity to work the final season of his three-year contract if he lifted the FA Cup .
But that summit will confirm his departure a year early from Old Trafford. Woodward’s determination not sack his second manager in three seasons has been undone by United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
And even though Jesse Lingard’s goal gave United their first win in the tournament since 2004, the Glazers had become increasingly concerned that they would face a fans’ revolt if they failed to wield the axe.
It is understood that United’s midweek clash with Bournemouth was watched by fewer than 40,000 – the smallest Premier League crowd at Old Trafford since the stadium was being redeveloped in the 1990s.
Woodward has put all transfer business on hold in recent weeks while there has been much speculation surrounding the manager’s future.
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