Jose Mourinho to Manchester United: Portuguese's agent Jorge Mendes responds to 'absurd' claims he wrote six-page letter to United

Statement fails to address claims manager submitted document to United

Jose Mourinho’s agent has responded to claims the Portuguese wrote a six-page letter to Manchester United outlining his suitability for the manager’s job.

The Independent on Sunday revealed the 52-year-old, sacked by Chelsea last month, composed the document detailing his desire to replace Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford and his willingness to adhere to the club’s principles.

But his agent, Jorge Mendes, who released a brief statement this morning, described the assumption Mourinho was “offering [his] services” as “absolutely ridiculous.”

The statement said: “It does not occur to anyone that a coach like Jose Mourinho can write letters to clubs offering their services.

“It is absolutely ridiculous and totally absurd.”

While the statement appears to deny Mourinho had "offered his services", it does not address the suggestion he had written a letter outlining why he wants the job.

Van Gaal was subjected to vitriol yet again as United fell to a late 1-0 home defeat to Southampton on Saturday, widening the gap between them and Premier League leaders Leicester City to 10 points.

United have taken 37 points from their first 23 games of the campaign – a figure which amounts to their lowest total in the Premier League era.

Speaking following the loss to Ronald Koeman’s Saints, Van Gaal said: “They [the United fans] are right to boo. I cannot deny that, I saw the match.”