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Jose Mourinho is expected to be appointed as manager of Manchester United imminently following the sacking of Louis van Gaal on Monday.
The news has, generally, been received well by supporters of the club, many of whom have been asking the club’s hierarchy to take action since December, when Mourinho was himself dismissed by Chelsea.
The Portuguese coach has coveted the Old Trafford job for a long time and was in the running to succeed United’s most successful boss, Sir Alex Ferguson, in 2014. The decision to appoint David Moyes, supposedly on Ferguson’s recommendation, reportedly reduced him to tears.
In private moments today, perhaps while discussing his salary with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, there will be a smile on his face.
The same cannot be said for several others at the club, who may be dreading Mourinho’s appointment.
Take a look at the gallery below to see who may be disappointed at the news...
Who might be dreading Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United?Show all 5 1 /5Who might be dreading Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United? Who might be dreading Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United? Juan Mata You have to feel sorry for the Spaniard. After winning Chelsea’s Player of the Year award twice on the bounce, he saw himself shipped out of Stamford Bridge in the January following Mourinho’s return. The former Real Madrid and Internazionale boss simply did not fancy him. Now, he finds himself at Mourinho’s mercy once again. In fairness, although he can be the side’s stand-out player on his day, Mata has struggled to consistently make the most of his considerable ability. It could be best for all parties if United cash in.
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Who might be dreading Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United? Ryan Giggs Overlooked for the main job after David Moyes’ departure, Giggs is now facing an effective demotion, according to widespread reports. Mourinho wants long-time side-kick Rui Faria to be his assistant, which would leave Giggs with merely a coaching role. He has seen fellow members of the Class of ’92 fly the nest to forge a career in coaching. It would be wise for him to do the same.
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Who might be dreading Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United? Daley Blind Blind would have liked Van Gaal to stay at Old Trafford
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Who might be dreading Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United? Sir Bobby Charlton The first meeting between Mourinho and the club’s ambassadors may be an awkward affair, especially when he ends up swapping phatic talk with United’s greatest icon. Sir Bobby Charlton previously cast doubt on the Portuguese’s suitability for the Old Trafford role. Speaking about Mourinho’s eye-gouging of Tito Vilanova, Charlton said: "A United manager wouldn't do that. Mourinho is a really good coach but that's as far as I would go really. “He pontificates too much for my liking,” he added. “He's a good manager, though." It was, probably, the only time that Charlton has publicly questioned another person’s character. Now, he finds that same man in charge of his football club.
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Who might be dreading Jose Mourinho's arrival at Manchester United? Sir Alex Ferguson Much has been made of the friendship between Ferguson and Mourinho, although it’s hard not to believe that some tensions exist between the two. Both have always done their best to stress their respect for each other but Mourinho was hurt when he was overlooked for the job in 2014. Ferguson, of course, recommended Moyes. He also has hardly been forthcoming in support for the Portuguese, but did say that Louis van Gaal should be given time in the job and even offered help to Giggs, in case his former charge took the big job.
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Who else could be feeling the pressure now Mourinho's arrival is imminent? Who might he ship out? Let us know in the comments...
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