Jose Mourinho to Manchester United: Louis van Gaal rubbishes reports linking Portuguese with Old Trafford

The Dutchman has been subjected to relentless criticism from supporters, pundits and former players alike

Louis van Gaal is booed by Manchester United supporters (Getty)

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal had dismissed reports linking former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho with his job.

The Dutchman has been subjected to relentless criticism from supporters, pundits and former players alike as the Red Devils sit 13 points behind Premier League leaders Leicester City with 14 matches to go.

Mourinho, the Independent on Sunday revealed this morning, is 'confident' of replacing his former colleague, whom he worked under at Barcelona, in the summer but no deal has been agreed between the two parties.

Speaking ahead of the match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Van Gaal said: “When there is such nonsense written about me, I cannot believe there is already a relationship between Jose Mourinho and United.

“I cannot believe that because I have seen what is happening in the past two months and it was difficult for me, my wife, kids, grandchildren and friends to cope with that.

“It is the football world nowadays. It is a pity but it is like that.”

Mourinho himself has also been speaking to the media for the first time since leaving Stamford Bridge in December, hinting he would like his next job to be in the Premier League once again. Citing his family as his main reason for wanting to live in London, the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss refused to garnish his comments with more detail about his future plans.

“At this moment I don't know where football will take me, because in football you never know. But as a family, our home will be in London,” he told the Daily Mail.

“No, I am not enjoying it [not working]. I can have my family, I can have my friends, I can have my quiet life, which I also like, and I can have my football.

“I can have everything together and I don't need to give up on one of them.

“To be fully happy I need everything, so I go back to football. I think it's my natural habitat. I have worked since I can remember, and as a manager since 2000.”