Manchester United: Jose Mourinho is first choice for Old Trafford hierarchy if Louis van Gaal is sacked

Manchester United bosses have told Jose Mourinho that the Old Trafford hot seat is his if they decide to sack Louis van Gaal in the summer, according to reports. Sky Sports claims the Red Devils got in touch with Mourinho, who then met with his agent Jorge Mendes at a dinner meeting in London to discuss his next move.

The Portuguese tactician told the broadcaster last week that he had no agreement in place with any club and that he was currently focused on "enjoying his life".

The 53-year-old is out of a job after he was sacked by Chelsea in December. His representatives held talks with United in February over the Portuguese potentially succeeding Van Gaal in the summer.

The Old Trafford hierarchy is reported to be mulling over the future of the Dutchman, who has 12 months left on his three-year contract.

United missed out on a top four place in the Premier League but are through to their first FA Cup final in nearly a decade, which they will contest with Crystal Palace at Wembley on 21 May.

'High expectations'

Van Gaal received a lukewarm reception from fans after United's 3-1 win over Bournemouth at Old Trafford confirmed their fifth-placed finish on 17 May.

The former Netherlands boss insisted after the match that the three-time European champions were in transition and that expectations from fans were too high.

But he admitted that the failure to qualify for the Champions League for the second time in three seasons was a major blow.

"Our aim in the first year, and also the second and the third, is the Champions League," Van Gaal was quoted as saying by the BBC.

"It is the highest level and a club like Manchester United has to play at that level.

"The expectation is very high," he added. "The fans are expecting a lot but I think these expectations are much too high."

Mourinho is known to be excited by the prospect of restoring United to their former glory — the Red Devils have not won any major silverware since Sir Alex Ferguson retired as manager in 2013, despite spending upwards of £300m ($434m) on transfers.