There’s a lot of speculation about the new destination of one of the most charismatic managers in European soccer, Jose Mourinho. Reports of his mid-season departure from Italian Serie A side AS Roma are everywhere. It’s no wonder, as he’s made a name for himself as a top manager since his youth. But where will Mourinho find a new home?
On Jan. 1 (ET), the English publication The Daily Mail cited a source familiar with European soccer as saying that Mourinho could be headed to Manchester United. “Mourinho’s move to United is still ‘unfinished business,'” the publication said, noting that “Mourinho would consider a return to the club if the opportunity arose.”
The Daily Mail noted that Mourinho’s ambition is to return to United. “It is felt that Mourinho has made it his mission to return to United,” it explained. However, the sobering reality is that “while Mourinho is keen on a quick return to management, it is unlikely to happen any time soon”.
Mourinho, who was sacked after AS Roma’s poor performance this season, has been linked with a return to Europe’s big leagues, including the EPL, as well as a move to the Saudi Arabian Professional League. Reports continue to emerge that Saudi clubs are wooing Mourinho with big bets. The positive outlook is that Mourinho will be able to manage the players in the Saudi league after his glory days at big clubs in Europe.
Mourinho rose to prominence with FC Porto after stints at Benfica and Leiria in Portugal. In 2004, he took over the reins of English Premier League (EPL) side Chelsea, and from 2008 to 2010, he managed Serie A side Inter Milan. He then took charge of Real Madrid in the Spanish Primera Liga from 2010 to 2013.
He returned to Chelsea in 2013 and managed them for two seasons before becoming the manager of Manchester United from 2016 to 2018. From 2019 to 2021, he was in charge of Tottenham Hotspur, working alongside Son Heung-min. In 2021, he moved back to Serie A to manage AS Roma, where he was sacked in January of this year. He has been linked with a number of big European clubs, including Manchester United, but no deal has been finalized.