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LONDON. – Jose Mourinho has rejected an opportunity to return to Inter Milan telling the Italian club’s officials that he is hoping to soon become Manchester United’s new boss. Since leaving Chelsea the Portuguese has been courted by Roma and Inter, where he masterminded their Champions League triumph in 2010. In both cases he has said no to another reign in Italian Serie A because his heart is set on succeeding the under fire Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.

Mourinho was on Saturday a guest of Inter Milan for their game against Sampdoria but has made it clear that he is no threat to current boss Roberto Mancini. And Mourinho is on his way to Manchester United, according to Inter Milan director Bedy Moratti.

There were suggestions the former Chelsea boss could be heading back to Italy. But Moratti, the sister of former Inter president Massimo, says he is on his way to Old Trafford.

When asked if he was coming back to the San Siro, Moratti – who had just had lunch with the Portuguese manager – told reporters: “No, he’s happy now, he’s going to Manchester.”

She then added: “Of course he’s always fantastic and we missed him as a person here.”

Speaking about his future earlier last week, Mourinho told La Stampa: “My next challenge, my next club? I really don’t know.

“I just know that I love football and I will be back with the same passion and ambition as ever, having during this period a respectful behaviour to every manager and every club. I don’t search for clubs, clubs search for me.”

Inter did turn to Mourinho when former Manchester City boss Mancini was struggling a few weeks back but he turned down the offer of talks insisting he was destined to stay in the Premier League.

He hinted to members of the Inter Milan hierarchy that he had been made promises by Manchester United. Many United fans would love their club to call time on Van Gaal who faces a crunch six day period which will determine whether he even sees the season out.

Destined to go unless United finish in a Champions League qualifying spot, either through the Premier League or by winning the Europa League, the Dutchman’s time in England will be cut short if League One Shrewsbury Town knock them out of the FA Cup tonight or unfancied FC Midtjylland triumph on Thursday night in the Europa League. – The Daily Express