With Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal gone, having officially been released of his duties by Manchester United, former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is expected to take over the helm at Old Trafford, with a confirmation expected soon.
An announcement was expected on Thursday, as initially reported by Sky Sports correspondent Paul Kelso, but negotiations over image right has seen the deal stall until Friday, according to the British new outlet.
Jose Mourinho has agreed personal terms with #MUFC; lawyers still negotiating image rights issues, deal confirmation may come Thursday
— Paul Kelso (@pkelso) May 24, 2016
High-profile players are expected to follow the Special One to the Theatre of Dreams, with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic being linked with a Man United switch, but one superstar has already ruled out a move to the 20-time English Premier League giants in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 31-year-old goalscoring machine, having spent six wonderful years with Man United before arriving at Santiago Bernabeu, has long been linked with a return to his former club, but looks to have finally put those rumors to rest ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League final.
The three-time Ballon d’Or winner, having endured a rocky relationship with Mourinho during his days as Real Madrid boss, wished his countryman success in Manchester, telling Spanish programme “Jugone” (as per The Sun):
"He's already signed hasn't he? I think it's good.
"If it's something United wanted I think it's good - I hope Manchester United get back to what they were because it's an impressive club but in the last years they lacked an identity a bit.
"And it hurts me seeing United like that because it's a club I carry in my heart. I wish Mourinho can restore them back to the top."
But Cristiano, who narrowly missed out on a La Liga title on the final day of the 2015/16 season to Barca, had a message for all the clubs looking to pry him away from Les Merengues: forget about it!
"Right now yes I am happy and I want to stay at this club," he said. "I don't see any other club that is better than Real Madrid. If you weigh things up there is no better club.
"So all other clubs can forget about me because Real Madrid is the best."
Ronaldo is expected to be in action on Saturday in the Champions League final clash with Atletico in Milan, as he was quick to cool fears despite having suffered an injury scare during training on Tuesday.
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