Talks began with Mourinho's agent Jorge Mendes in the aftermath of the club's decision to end Louis van Gaal's uncomfortable two-year residency at Old Trafford, as even FA Cup glory at Wembley proved unable to mask poor Barclays Premier League performances in terms of style and substance
Press Association Sport understands an agreement is now in place for the former Chelsea manager to take over at United, with m inor details being ironed out, and reports suggest he will finalise a three-year deal
This week's negotiations were delayed due to discussions over Mourinho's image rights.
European Union Intellectual Property Office records show former club Chelsea own the trademark to 'Jose Mourinho' for a number of goods up until 2023 and 2025 respectively.
Chelsea refused to comment on the matter, but, given they retained the trademark when Mourinho managed Inter Milan and then Real Madrid, it never looked a serious barrier to the deal.
Official confirmation looks likely on Friday, with the latest reports suggesting Mourinho has already travelled to Manchester and given an interview to the in-house MUTV.
The Portuguese called United a "monster club" in October but they, much like their new manager, have reputations to rebuild
Mourinho's second spell at Stamford Bridge came to an embarrassing end in December, with the Premier League champions looking to beat the drop rather than retain their crown when he departed.
A ninth league loss in 16 matches spelled the end of his reign, which the club's technical director Michael Emenalo pinned on "palpable discord" between the manager and his players.
Mourinho was swiftly linked with the United job as pressure mounted on Van Gaal, the man he once assisted at Barcelona.
The divisive Dutchman saw out the season despite that scrutiny and ended on a high, beating Crystal Palace 2-1 after extra-time in Saturday's FA Cup final.
However, that did not make up for the pain of missing out on Champions League football, with United having wasted the chance to usurp neighbours Manchester City and sneak into the top four.
Europa League football awaits as a result, but Mourinho's arrival and United's standing mean big-name signings remain on the cards.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who the Portuguese managed at Inter Milan, is one such player and on Thursday signalled a move to Old Trafford could be in the pipeline.
The Sweden striker is leaving Paris St Germain this summer and confirmed he has had "concrete offers" from Premier League clubs.
Ibrahimovic did not mention United specifically but spoke of his "great relationship" with former boss Mourinho.
And when asked if there had been an offer from the Old Trafford outfit, Ibrahimovic paused for several seconds with a smile on his face, before saying: "Let's see what happens".
Regarding the prospect of Mourinho taking over at United, Ibrahimovic said: "I think it is a great move - if you want action you bring Mourinho
"I believe he is the man to take them back to the top.
"Wherever he went he has won
He knows what he is doing
If you want to win, you bring Mourinho.
"I had a fantastic time with him when I was working with him - so working again with him...?
"When I left Inter I said we had had a short time together but a great time
If we will work together again, I don't know
Let's see how things play out.
"I don't give guarantees - but there are concrete offers from the Premier League, so let's see what happens."
There are not only questions over the make-up of Mourinho's squad but also his backroom team, with Ryan Giggs reportedly considering ending his near 29-year association with the club.
Press Association Sport understands United's most decorated player has an offer to stay on, although it is unclear what that role would be having been assistant to Van Gaal.
No confirmation on the fate of the rest of Van Gaal's backroom team has yet been forthcoming.
Source : PA
Source: PA