Manchester United to offer Louis van Gaal director of football role?

Manchester United have reportedly decided to offer current manager Louis van Gaal the role of director of football, which in turn will pave the way for Jose Mourinho to step into the Old Trafford dugout.

Van Gaal, 64, has 12 months left to run on his contract, but mixed results over the last two seasons have poured doubt on his future.

Numerous reports have linked Mourinho with the post, the most recent of which claimed that executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward had promised him the job if Van Gaal were to be relieved of his duties in the summer.

However, according to The Sun, Woodward has now come up with a plan that keeps both men involved.

The report adds that while the United chief has accepted that a change in management is required, he does not want to lose Van Gaal's experience and know-how completely.

Mourinho and Van Gaal have worked together before at Barcelona, but whether the Dutchman would be prepared to move upstairs remains to be seen.