Jose Mourinho: Ex-Chelsea manager 'sets Manchester United deadline' of 1 May

The Portuguese has been out of a job since his Chelsea sacking last December

Jose Mourinho wants his future sorted soon (Twitter / @JustinOngCA)

Manchester United have been set a deadline of 1 May to secure the services of Jose Mourinho as their manager, according to reports.

The Guardian have reported that the Portuguese is intent on confirming his next managerial position in one month's time.

United chiefs have backed manager Louis van Gaal in recent months, however, and their season looks to be taking a turn for the better. United have a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League, they are only one point behind neighbours Manchester City, who sit in fourth place.

The club were knocked out of the Europa League at the Last-16 stage by rivals Liverpool last month, but remain in the FA Cup - they face West Ham in the replay on 13 April.

Mourinho has been out of a job since his Chelsea sacking last December. The 53-year-old wants to get his new position sorted in time so he can start planning for next season.