Barring any last minute tackle, Jose Mourinho is expected to sign his Manchester United contract by Friday, according to sources.
Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes, was locked in talks with Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward on Wednesday, where a number of complicated image rights issues were addressed.
Multiple sources reported that significant progress was made on a number of those issues, and the outstanding points will be worked through on Thursday. Provided both parties continue to make progress at a similar pace, both sides remain hopeful the contract will be signed by the close of business on Friday.
Among the issues addressed on Wednesday were conflicts of interest concerning both parties’ pre-existing sponsorship commitments, including their watch and car deals. United have a watch endorsement deal in place with Bulova, while Mourinho is an ambassador for Hublot. United have Chevrolet as their shirt sponsor whilst Mourinho is contracted to use a Jaguar.
An issue with the copyright of Mourinho’s name is understood to have been resolved. As well as being registered in the UK, ‘Jose Mourinho’ is registered as a trademark of Chelsea FC on the European Union’s Intellectual Property Database. However this issue is now said to be concluded.
Mourinho is keen for a speedy resolution to negotiations, so he can begin in earnest his efforts to rebuild United and return them to the top of English and European football. He is already planning his moves in the summer transfer window, and looking at what United already have in place for pre-season.
Sky Sport reports that there has been no telephone conversation yet between Mourinho and Ryan Giggs, who remains the United assistant manager but will be replaced by Mourinho’s long-term assistant Rui Faria.
Mourinho was sacked at Chelsea in December after a dismal defence of the Premier League title they won in the previous season.
United parted company with former manager, Lois van Gaal, on Monday, two days after winning the FA Cup.
