Jose Mourinho the pick of senior Manchester United players

Louis van Gaal has lost the confidence of a group of senior Manchester United players and José Mourinho is their preferred option as his replacement.

While Van Gaal is generally well liked among the squad, the Guardian newspaper has learned that this influential faction has been unsure for a while about him being able to turn the side's fortunes around.

Thursday's dismal 2-1 defeat at Midtjylland in the Europa League last-32 first leg has reaffirmed this view of Van Gaal, with players uneasy about his tactics and training methods. United face the struggling League One side Shrewsbury in the FA Cup on Monday.

Although there is a recognition those on the field must take their share of responsibility for uneven form – Thursday’s loss followed the 2-1 reverse at Sunderland on Saturday – Mourinho is seen as the man who can return the club to winning ways.

The Portuguese remains open to taking over but it is understood he feels he cannot wait around too long and so is exploring other options. One of these may be a return to Italian football.

Ed Woodward, United's executive vice-chairman, continues to deliberate over whether to sack Van Gaal. Woodward is conscious that if he does not act soon the club may miss out on Mourinho.

The Portuguese hinted he has several options for his next job in management.

Heavily linked

Mourinho, who was sacked by

Chelsea

in December, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford at the end of the season; there were reports this month that United have already held talks with his representatives.

However, Mourinho, who is understood to have been sent replica versions of the Premier League and Capital One Cup trophies he won last season by Chelsea this week, and a letter thanking him for his achievements, has insisted that he is not actively looking for a new club and he denied reports in Italy linking him with a return to Internazionale.

"There is one thing I want to clarify – I will not be directing things over there next season," Mourinho told La Stampa.

Same passion

“My next club? I really do not know, but one thing is certain – I love football and I will return with the same passion and ambition I’ve always had.

“Right now I have respect for every coach at every club. I’m not looking for a club, but there are clubs that are looking for me.” Guardian Service