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Jose Mourinho is convinced he will become the next Manchester United manager - unless Louis van Gaal seals Champions League qualification.

Mourinho's agent, Jorge Mendes, is understood to have touched base with United executive vice-chairman earlier this week to seek clarification over developments on the managerial situation at Old Trafford.

M.E.N. Sport understands Mourinho is 'satisfied' with the latest updates and, while he has not been guaranteed the United job, he believes he will inherit the position he was overlooked for in 2013.

Mourinho was rattled at the weekend over 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.

United's successive league wins against City and Everton have also caused the Portuguese consternation as the club attempts to avoid top four failure for the second time in three seasons.

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It is also understood Mendes has been told Van Gaal's contract includes a fourth place clause, which means United can dismiss the Dutchman without paying him full compensation if he fails to clinch a Champions League qualifying spot.

David Moyes' contract included a similar clause, which was why he did not receive the five years' worth of salary left on his deal when United dismissed the Scot two years ago.

A clause would partly explain why United have not sacked Van Gaal, despite a clamour from supporters.

The team is one point behind fourth-placed City with seven games remaining, starting with Sunday's trip to Tottenham, where United have not lost in 15 years.

Supporters expected United to kick on after scraping a top four berth last season. The club spent £106.9m in the summer on reinforcements, however United are 16 points behind league leaders Leicester and were jettisoned from the Champions League at the group stage.

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.

Read more: Mourinho has gentleman's agreement to become next Manchester United manager

Mourinho, who trounced Ryan 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.

On Friday, Mourinho suggested his next role could be at United after insisting he's only looking for a tough job in a hard league.

Mourinho, who was speaking at a sponsorship event in Portugal, said: "I can almost guarantee you that I’ll be back working this summer. I’ve got good offers on the table."