Breaking New: As Arsene is to Arsenal so is Mourinho to Man United

Manchester United are set to appoint Jose Mourinho as their new manager.

It is believed a deal with the 53-year-old Portuguese was agreed in principle before United's FA Cup final

win against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

With United failing to qualify for the Champions League under Louis van Gaal, the Old Trafford hierarchy is thought to have decided a change is required.

Mourinho has been out of work since he was sacked by Chelsea in December.

The club plan to announce his arrival early next week after telling Van Gaal, 64, his reign has come to an end.

Van Gaal remains defiant. Despite an FA cup win over Crystal Palace to end the season on a high note yesterday, fans were not convinced by Van Gaal's tactics. The club's 49 goals in the Premier League this season was United's lowest total since 1989-90.

There were occasional high points, not least Van Gaal's theatrical dive in front of the dug-outs during the 3-2 win over Arsenal in February as he accused the Gunners of diving.

But since collecting only three points in six games at the end of 2015, Van Gaal has been under intense pressure.

He has accused the media and former players of "sacking him", and cited injuries as the reason why United have been unable to sustain a title challenge.

Mourinho has never hidden his admiration for United, and for Ferguson. Now it seems he will have the opportunity to follow in his footsteps.

The appointment will mean some long overdue issues can be dealt with, not least whether the club's second longest-serving player Michael Carrick should be awarded a new contract.

It remains to be seen what Giggs will do.

Having served under Moyes and Van Gaal, the prospect of continuing his apprenticeship under a third United boss may not appeal.

It remains to be seen whether the club can find an alternative role for their most decorated player.

Giggs would not be short of offers if he decided to join the management ranks.

But many of the Welshman's former team-mates - most recently close friend Gary Neville at Valencia - have not found management easy.

Nevertheless, Van Gaal's side still had Champions League qualification in their own hands 14 minutes from the end of their penultimate Premier League game at West Ham, only to concede two late goals, lose 3-2 and allow Manchester City to claim the fourth qualifying slot.

And, after members of the United hierarchy suggested in December that the season was 80% about the Premier League, it is the failure to qualify for the Champions League that has appeared to seal Van Gaal's fate.

Source: BBC