Manchester United have denied they have opened talks with Jose Mourinho about becoming their next manager. Mourinho suggested earlier this week that he would return to the Premier League once his contract with Inter Milan expires in 2011 which could fit in neatly with Sir Alex Ferguson's proposed retirement date.

However, United have rejected such a notion.

"As we have said many times before, there has been no discussion about who will eventually succeed Sir Alex," said a United spokesman.