Mourinho To United? Far From Certain

The Daily Star reports that Sir Alex Ferguson will quit in 2011 and Jose Mourinho will take over the reigns at Manchester United. They cite no sources just state the apparently inescapable fact.

It is well-known, of course, that the self-proclaimed Special One wanted the job badly in the past. It is unclear that he still wants it, with the debt situation and everything but let's assume, for a moment, that Mourinho is still prepared to take over the club and that he's prepared to put up with financial uncertainty and willing to wait another year. Let's assume these things although in my opinion they are far from certain.

Even in that case, there is one significant factor to consider. What if the Red Knights actually succeed with their bid? What if United have a takeover this summer? I have no doubts that the current regime would love to have Mourinho as successor to Sir Alex as he's a big name, a glamour name, a 'guarantee', if you like. But if there's a change in ownership, who knows how they will view the possibility of appointing Mourinho?

Many United fans are against the idea of Jose coming to Old Trafford because of his mistrust of youth and flair and because of his arrogant preening. It might be that the news owners, who would supposedly be United fans, feel the same way about him. So, in my opinion, there are a number of reasons why it is far from certain that Mourinho will ever work at Old Trafford.

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