José Mourinho has agreed a deal to join Manchester United claims Inter Milan director

José Mourinho is set to become Manchester United manager, according to Inter Milan director Bedy Moratti. Mourinho has recently been linked with a return to the San Siro, but Moratti – the sister of former Inter president Massimo – has claimed he is set to become the manager at Old Trafford instead.

Mourinho, 53, was sacked by Chelsea last year following a disastrous start to the Premier League season. He has subsequently been linked with various managerial roles. But Moratti believes he will soon replace Louis van Gaal as Manchester United's boss.

Asked if the Portuguese coach was coming back to the San Siro, Moratti – who had just had lunch with the Portuguese manager – told waiting reporters, according to the Mirror: "No, he's happy now, he's going to Manchester."

Moratti added: "Of course he's always fantastic and we missed him as a person here."

The director's remarks about a possible move to United come shortly after Mourinho claimed he did not know where his future lies. "My next challenge, my next club? I really don't know," he explained amid speculation linking him with the United job.

"I just know that I love football and I will be back with the same passion and ambition as ever, having during this period a respectful behaviour to every manager and every club. I don't search for clubs, clubs search for me."

Mourinho is in Italy this weekend, where he has met Massimo Moratti, who was the president of Inter Milan during his two-year spell in charge of the Italian side. However, he is known to be keen to remain in England and United appear to be his most likely destination.