Where’s the next likely destination for Jose Mourinho?

An environment that often had the air of a soap opera rather than a football club, Manchester United’s 3-1 loss away at Anfield was the last straw for Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese boss took over in May 2016 and led United to League Cup and Europa League titles, but they are 19 points behind league leaders Liverpool.

While many in Manchester have been divided on who is to blame for United’s woeful start to the season, Mourinho has paid the price.

Undoubtedly the hottest free agent in the managerial world, who are the leading contenders to secure Mourinho’s services:

Inter Milan

Arguably where he spent the most successful spell in his managerial career, Mourinho is still adored around the San Siro and Serie A would seem like a perfect destination for ‘The Special One’.

During a highly-enjoyable two years with Inter Milan, Mourinho managed to win consecutive Serie A titles the Champions League and the Coppa Italia.

With Inter so publically failing to reach the knockout stage of this year’s Champions League after being in pole position, Luciano Spalletti’s position at Milan is under considerable scrutiny.

Now sat 14 points adrift of Juventus at the top of the table, Inter have also picked up just one win in their last five appearances.

While Mourinho was very publically upset by Ed Woodward’s decision not to back him in the summer transfer window, the 55-year-old should not have that problem in Milan.

With new investment being pumped into I Nerazzurri since Suning’s takeover in 2016, Milan’s new Asian shareholders are desperate to match the level of success they had during Mourinho’s reign and they will not hesitate to break the bank.

 

Real Madrid

While a move to Inter Milan appears to make the most sense, it seems that another one of Mourinho’s former employers could be looking to bring back the Portuguese tactician.

With Real Madrid so publically struggling and coming off the back of a 3-0 hammering at home to CSKA, their worst ever result in Champions League history, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez still remains a huge admirer of Mourinho’s.

During a turbulent three years in the Spanish capital, Mourinho helped Los Blancos lift the La Liga and the Copa del Rey on one occasion.

Although Mourinho’s tenure at the Bernabeu was ended due to a toxic relationship with both Sergio Ramos and Marcelo, two players who still remain in Madrid, Perez believes the now former Manchester United boss is the man to lead an overhaul of their aging squad.

While new Madrid boss Santiago Solari signed a three-year deal only last month, there remains plenty of doubts about Solari’s suitability for the role in the long term.

 

Portugal national team

Even though Mourinho might boast a CV that consists of over 20 major honors across Europe, there is one thing that he hasn’t achieved.

While Mourinho has previously discussed his desire to manage Portugal’s national side, he is yet to take the jump into international management.

However, taking the hot seat off of Fernando Santos might be a difficult task.

Even though the 64-year-old might have his approach questioned, Santos has guided Portugal to glory at the Euro’s in 2016 and has also helped the Reds book their spot in the semi-finals of this year’s Inaugural UEFA Nations League.

Although the PFF are not actively looking for a replacement for Santos, the temptation and the allure of Mourinho might be to hard for them to resist.

While the former Premier League-winning boss has made it clear that he does prefer the day to day duties that come with managing at club level, the chance for him to lead his nation to the 2020 European Championships might be to much for him to turn down.

Speaking back in October, five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated that he would relish the opportunity to work under Mourinho again.

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