I don’t think Manchester United and my friend Mourinho are in contact – van Gaal

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal “cannot imagine” that the club have held talks with Jose Mourinho about replacing the Dutchman at Old Trafford in the summer.

It has been widely reported that the former Chelsea boss, who was sacked by the West London outfit in December, has told friends that his move to United is a ‘done deal’.

Van Gaal came under criticism in the early stages of the season for his side’s unattractive style of play, and questions over his long-term future have been raised due to the club’s failure to reach the knockout rounds of the Champions League and the danger that they may miss out on a place in the top four this season.

The former Netherlands boss has often been asked by reporters about the rumours surrounding Mourinho, and in an interview with The Independent, Van Gaal has issued a warning to the club.

“I have not said that we have spoken, but [Mourinho] is my friend, so there you go,” said Van Gaal. “But I don’t know if Manchester United have spoken with Mourinho or not.

“I can only say that I have spoken with [United’s executive vice-chairman] Ed Woodward and I cannot imagine that they have spoken with each other. I think that if they speak with another manager, they would tell me because our relationship is like that. But I think that, if they want to change, they have to prepare themselves. That is also a professional attitude, in my opinion.”

Van Gaal’s contract does not expire until the end of next season.