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Jose Mourinho 's agent Jorge Mendes is expected to speak to Ed Woodward later this week after his client demanded firmer guarantees he will become the next Manchester United manager.

Mourinho is understood to be 'rattled' by Louis van Gaal 's admission he helped prepare the club's pre-season tour schedule in China and reports he is working on deals for potential signings in the summer transfer window.

Reports in the Netherlands claim Woodward will stand by the Dutchman in the summer. However, Van Gaal's history with the De Telegraaf journalist Michael van der Kraan, who reported the story, and the story's heavy focus on Memphis' United future might ease Mourinho's anxieties.

Woodward, who has gradually tightened United's relationship with Mendes since he assumed the role of executive vice-chairman in 2013, has been in dialogue with the 'super-agent' in recent months as United fans clamour for Van Gaal's removal.

M.E.N. Sport revealed in February former Chelsea coach Mourinho believes he has a gentleman's agreement to succeed his friend Van Gaal.

The club contacted Mendes the day after their humiliating Europa League defeat to Midtjylland last month to receive assurances the Portuguese had no intention of re-joining Internazionale, whom he coached to 2010 Champions League glory.

Mourinho, who trounced Giggs in local polls among fanzines and on the M.E.N. website on who should become the next United manager, was confident of seeing off the Welshman to replace Van Gaal as early as last month, despite several of Giggs' former teammates championing his credentials to manage United.

Mourinho reveals plans to return to management