Man Utd make Mourinho plea as Van Gaal sack looms

Manchester United wasted no time in contacting Jose Mourinho over the prospect of taking over at Old Trafford before the end of the season following their shock 2-1 loss to Midtjylland, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Red Devils had looked likely to stick with Louis van Gaal until the summer despite their disappointing campaign but the embarrassing defeat in the Europa League may have changed their plans.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward reportedly contacted Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes on Friday to enquire about the possibility of the Portuguese taking charge sooner than previously anticipated.

The 20-time English champions face League One side Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup next before hosting Midtjylland and then taking on Arsenal in the Premier League.