Man Utd target should keep England job on backburner this summer

According to many a spurious report, Jose Mourinho is already the new manager of Manchester United for next season, but without any confirmation whatsoever, it is equally plausible the axed Chelsea boss takes a different path.

Some influential names at Old Trafford have already expressed concerns over Louis van Gaal’s earmarked successor, so there are no guarantees the move will happen.

Indeed, speaking to reporters on a visit to Singapore, as his supposed new employers were gearing up for Europa League action, the man himself brought into serious question the latest revelation by a Portuguese newspaper claiming a £16m deal is already in place.

“I always feel that it is better to wait and not to rush. It is better to wait for the right moment and the right move,” Mourinho said.

“Every day new things are coming but the reality is I have no job and I am happy not to have a job,” he added.

It’s impossible to tell what is really on Mourinho’s mind or what offers have been wafted his way, but the English FA could yet have an influence on his final decision, if the self-proclaimed Special One is still unattached by the end of Euro 2016.

The clock is ticking on Roy Hodgson’s England contract which is set to run out after the tournament in France later this year. As the 2014 World Cup demonstrated, the Euros has the potential to bring the curtain down swiftly on his tenure after his lucky escape last time around.

Although all the usual optimism is being pedalled over Hodgson’s vibrant Three Lions squad, there is nothing like the actual experience of a major tournament to quickly crush such hopes.

The climate may be on England’s side this time around, but what happened in Brazil and the perceived strength of the talent pool at Hodgson’s disposal, even a quarter-final appearance might not be enough to save his bacon.

Mourinho has hinted that a new club project is his most probable avenue back into management, though rumours linking the Portuguese to the FA’s top coaching post have surfaced long before now.

Should the England vacancy coincide with a workless Mourinho, then Greg Dyke and co would be compelled to make an approach, probably off the back of public demand alone.

Although his reputation has been tarnished somewhat because of events of Chelsea this season, his CV is still up there with the most impressive in the game and many England fans would salivate at the prospect.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.