Louis van Gaal has dismissed claims Manchester United are already in talks with Jose Mourinho about replacing him as manager
Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho
Manchester: Louis van Gaal has dismissed claims Manchester United are already in talks with Jose Mourinho about replacing him as manager. The BBC and the Manchester Evening News on Friday reported that discussions have taken place between the two parties.
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Louis van Gaal
Mourinho, who left Chelsea in December, told the Mail on Sunday he is not enjoying being out of work and that a return is on the horizon. But Van Gaal, who has a year remaining on his contract after this season, does not believe the Portuguese is being lined up as the next United boss.
Jose Mourinho
"There has been such nonsense created about me," Van Gaal was quoted as saying in several national newspapers.
"I don’t believe there is already a relationship between Jose Mourinho and Manchester United because I have seen what has happened here over the last two months.
"It has been very difficult for me, for my wife, for my kids, for my grandchildren and for my friends to cope with that. But it is the football world these days.
"I never had doubts but it is still remarkable that after the four defeats in a row we have started to win. I hope it has given the fans the stimulus to now believe in the manager."
The 64-year-old has overseen a United revival in recent weeks — with three wins and two draws from their last six league games.
"The aim here is still the same — to qualify for the Champions League and to finish one step higher than last year, so third place," Van Gaal added.
"Leicester have opened a big gap from us but it is still possible. We are in a very good mood. Winning puts you in a good mood. It is very important to be there in April, five points or less from the top.
"There is light at the end of the tunnel. Phil Jones is coming back, Marcos Rojo is coming back, Antonio Valencia is coming back. We have managed to survive and we are only five points behind the top four. That isn’t bad."