Jose Mourinho will not wait a year to take charge at Manchester United, according to reports.

The Daily Mail is reporting that the Portuguese is not prepared to sit by and see Louis van Gaal oversee the Red Devils for another 12 months as the Old Trafford managerial position continues to cause consternation.

As speculation endures over van Gaal's contract, which has another year to run, it is believed that the Dutchman could see out the final obligation on the three-year deal he signed in the summer of 2014.

The report suggests that United staff believe van Gaal will remain until the end of the 2016/17 season which is likely to see Mourinho lose interest in the job as he is keen to return to top flight management as soon as possible following his sacking by Chelsea in December.

A strong finish to the season, which could culminate in winning the FA Cup, has brightened van Gaal's chances of staying on at the Theatre of Dreams and if that is the case, Mourinho is unlikely to make himself available to take charge at United prior to the 2017/18 campaign.