United’s hierarchy are expected to hold formal discussions with Juventus but Raiola – who has extensive experience of working with Italy’s elite clubs, especially AC Milan – is taking the lead for now.

Mourinho has appointed six trusted lieutenants to his backroom staff, with assistant manager Rui Faria joined by coaches Silvino Louro, Ricardo Formosinho, Carlos Lalin and Emilio Alvarez and analyst Giovanni Cerra.

The former Chelsea manager took charge of his first pre-season training session on Thursday and expects United’s players to grasp his demands quickly. “My principles are quite objective and I understand that, for the players, it will not be a drama for them to understand and to try to give me what I want,” he said.