Mourinho could be relieved of his duties Manchester United boss if fails to qualify the Red Devils to Champions league football next season. The Manchester club according to report are prepared to head a different way if the miss a place in the European premier football showpiece.

The Red Devils languish in eight position with 12 points separating them with league leaders Manchester City after losing to the league leaders 3-1 in the Manchester Derby last Sunday.

Mourinho is not in doubt that he needs to qualify for the UEFA Champions league to secure his job, but he faces stiff competition with Unai Emery’s Arsenal and Mauricio Pochetinno’s Tottenham hotspur.

Old Trafford executives still admire Mauricio Pochettino, but it looks almost impossible to get him out of the water-tight contract he signed with Tottenham in the summer.

Both United and Real Madrid are keen to snare the Argentine but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will scrap tooth and nail to hang onto his man.

Madrid responded to interim boss Santiago Solari’s four-game winning streak by handing him a two-year deal to become Julen Lopetegui’s full-time successor.

But Solari — a close pal of former Argentina team-mate Poch — is understood to be willing to step into the background if the Spurs chief decides to head to Spain next summer.

Mourinho extended his contract at Old Trafford last season, and this places the penalty clause of his axing to £15 million per annum. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid tactician is reported to be unhappy with the Red Devils team as he believes that they are behind teams of opposition.

Mourinho has since joined in the scouting of hot prospect in a bid to be among the leading bargainers in landing quality players in transfer windows.

Although United executives have given Mourinho thumbs up for a recent upturn in league form, Champions League football is crucial.