LONDON: Manchester United have appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager, Sky Sports News reported on Thursday.

The 53-year-old Portuguese replaces Dutchman Louis van Gaal whose two-year reign at Old Trafford ended on Monday, two days after United lifted the FA Cup.

The self-styled 'Special One', Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea in December, ending his second spell in charge of the London club.

He has also managed Porto, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

The prospect of Jose Mourinho becoming Manchester United's next boss has unleashed hopes across Europe of a mega-spending spree by the English giants to get back into the elite.

Manchester United, however, is not commenting on the report that Jose Mourinho has signed a contract to become the club's new manager.

The club is yet to announced the deal. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand posted on Facebook his “congratulations to Jose on being announced manager of the biggest club in the world!"