Jose Mourinho expected to sign Manchester United contract by Friday

Jose Mourinho expects to sign his Manchester United contract by Friday, according to Sky Sports.

Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes, was locked in talks with Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward on Wednesday, where a number of complicated image rights issues were addressed.

It was gathered that significant progress was made on a number of those issues, and the outstanding points will be worked through on Thursday. Provided both parties continue to make progress at a similar pace, both sides remain hopeful the contract will be signed by the close of business on Friday.

Among the issues addressed on Wednesday were conflicts of interest concerning both parties’ pre-existing sponsorship commitments, including their watch and car deals. United have a watch endorsement deal in place with Bulova, while Mourinho is an ambassador for Hublot. United have Chevrolet as their shirt sponsor whilst Mourinho is contracted to use a Jaguar.

An issue with the copyright of Mourinho’s name is understood to have been resolved. As well as being registered in the UK, ‘Jose Mourinho’ is registered as a trademark of Chelsea FC on the European Union’s Intellectual Property Database. However this issue is now said to be concluded.

Mourinho is keen for a speedy resolution to negotiations, so he can begin in earnest his efforts to rebuild United and return them to the top of English and European football. He is already planning his moves in the summer transfer window, and looking at what United already have in place for pre-season.

Meanwhile, it was learnt that Mourinho has no plans to go to Sunderland for England’s game with Australia on Friday night, despite the fact United forward Marcus Rashford is poised to make his senior England debut.

Two other United players may also be involved, with Chris Smalling expected to start the game, and Wayne Rooney likely to feature in some capacity.

According to Sky Sports, there has been no telephone conversation yet between Mourinho and Ryan Giggs, who remains the United assistant manager but will be replaced by Mourinho’s long-term assistant Rui Faria.