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Sister of a friend says Jose Mourinho “is going to Manchester”

Italy Soccer Serie A

Jose Mourinho waves as he gets to the stands prior to a Serie A soccer match between Inter Milan and Sampdoria, at the Milan San Siro stadium, Italy, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

AP

Jose Mourinho will replace Louis van Gaal as the manager of Manchester United, according to Bedy Moratti, the sister of former Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti and personal friend of the Mourinho, the former Inter manager who in 2010 led the Serie A side to a famous treble.

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According to the Guardian, Mourinho was was in Milan in order to attend Saturday’s league game between Inter and Sampdoria as a special guest of the Moratti family (above photo). After having lunch with Mourinho and others, Bedy Moratti spoke briefly to the Italian media who were, of course, quite curious about Mourinho’s future, just as everyone else. Was he set for a shock return to the San Siro Stadium? Not a chance because his next job, or city, has already been decided says Moratti — quotes from the Guardian:

“He’s missed as a person, but right now he’s happy. He’s going to Manchester.”

[ MORE: FA Cup — Everton, Watford advance to QF; Arsenal to re-play Hull ]

As for Mourinho, he’s been relatively quiet of late, at least in the English-speaking press. Last week he spoke to Italian newspaper La Stampa, at which point he vowed to come back as hungry as ever and boasted he’s not looking for a job, but that the jobs are looking for him.

“My next club? I really do not know, but one thing is certain – I love football and I will return with the same passion and ambition I’ve always had. Right now I have respect for every coach at every club. I’m not looking for a club – but there are clubs that are looking for me.”

Van Gaal’s next chance to stave off termination comes on Monday, when Man United will be away to League One side Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup fifth round.

Follow @AndyEdMLS