Jose Mourinho has written to Manchester United to state his case to become the club's next manager, according to a report in the Independent on Sunday.

The newspaper states that former Chelsea manager Mourinho has sent United a six-page letter in which he outlines why he would be a suitable fit for the position, which is currently occupied by under-pressure Dutchman Louis van Gaal.

United declined to comment on the report when contacted by Press Association Sport.

Mourinho left Chelsea in December after a poor start to the season, despite his team winning the Barclays Premier League in the previous campaign.

According to the report, Mourinho explains in the letter how he would be prepared to adapt his style of management to suit the demands at Old Trafford, and how he would seek to overhaul the squad.

Van Gaal admits he can understand United fans' fury

The 52-year-old Portuguese's fondness for United is well known and he has been linked with the job before, but United chose David Moyes to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013 and Van Gaal to come in a year later.

As well as two spells at Chelsea, Mourinho has previously bossed Porto, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

After he departed Chelsea before Christmas, Blues coach Steve Holland predicted Mourinho would want to soon be back involved in the game at the highest level.

"He's a guy who needs and wants football," said Holland. "There will be clubs and big clubs who will want him.

"And he's not in my opinion the sort of guy who's going to spend six, seven, eight months sitting at home doing nothing in particular."

Pressure mounted on Van Gaal after United's 1-0 defeat to Southampton on Saturday, which left the Red Devils five points adrift of fourth-placed Tottenham.