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(Image: GETTY)

Spanish news outlet Fichajes are today reporting that Mourinho has given the green light to replacing Louis van Gaal.

Fichajes even state that he could have signed the contract already.

They write: "Several media and journalists close to Portuguese Jose Mourinho say the technician has agreed a deal with Manchester United for the next five years, the news is not yet official."

The report is vague and doesn’t specify when Mourinho’s reign could start.

Fichajes predominantly report on Spanish transfer news to varying degrees of success.

(Image: FICHAJES)

But Starsport knows for sure that Van Gaal has TWO games left to save his job at United.

Saturday's shock 2-1 defeat to Norwich at Old Trafford has left the Dutchman fighting for survival.

Mourinho is desperate to succeed him after being sacked by Chelsea last week while Pep Guardiola yesterday sparked a scramble for his signature after Bayern Munich confirmed he will quit the German giants in the summer.

Although Guardiola is still favourite to join Manchester City, his availability - along with Mourinho's - has handed United two big-name options and means Van Gaal cannot afford another slip up.

United travel to Stoke on Boxing Day and host struggling champions Chelsea next Monday.

And Starsport understands that unless there is a drastic improvement, United's owners will take action.

That drastic action could now be appointing the Special One.

United were booed off after their third straight defeat sent them tumbling out of the top four.

And despite Van Gaal claiming his players are still behind him he conceded his job is now on the line.

He maintains he would quit if he ever lost the dressing room and asked if that is the case now, he replied: "No. I have seen the reaction of the players to me.

"The most important support is from the players. It is always like that because the players have to do it on the pitch. The chemistry between the players and the manager and his staff is very important.

"But of course the belief of the fans in the manager is also very important. Last year, they believed in me. They thought I would bring us to the top.

"Now we are in a bad period. We have lost three matches in a row and their belief has been tested.

"It's important how the fans are thinking, of course. But the most important thing is Manchester United."

He also believes he still has the support of club owners the Glazer family and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, although Van Gaal has not received a public vote of confidence.