Manchester United is poised to appoint Jose Mourinho as their new manager, according to reports from BBC Sport. The agreement with the 53-year-old Portuguese coach is believed to have been reached in principle prior to United's FA Cup final victory over Crystal Palace.

Changes at the Helm

Following a disappointing season that saw the team fail to qualify for the Champions League under Louis van Gaal, the club's leadership has decided that a managerial change is necessary. Van Gaal, who is 64 years old, has been informed that his time at the club has come to an end. Despite having one year left on his three-year contract and having invested £250 million in new players, his tenure has faced criticism, with the team finishing fourth and fifth in the Premier League during his time in charge.

Van Gaal's Response

In the post-match press conference after the FA Cup win, Van Gaal expressed pride in the team's achievement, stating, "I show you the cup and I don't discuss it [my future] with my friends of the media, who already sacked me for six months." When asked about his future at Old Trafford, he added, "I hope to see you. I don't want to talk about about leaving this club."

Mourinho's Background and Rivalry

Mourinho has been without a job since his dismissal from Chelsea in December, just seven months after leading the club to the Premier League title. He is recognized as one of the most successful coaches in football, having won three league titles during his two tenures at Chelsea, as well as Champions League titles with Porto and Inter Milan. His potential arrival at United would reignite his rivalry with Pep Guardiola, who is set to take over at Manchester City this summer.

While some senior figures at Manchester United have expressed concerns regarding Mourinho's controversial reputation, others have shown support for alternative candidates, such as Ryan Giggs. Nevertheless, the club is expected to make an official announcement regarding Mourinho's appointment early next week.