Former Chelsea boss was not aware that The Blues had the rights to his name ahead of the negotiations to join Manchester united.

Jose Mourinho didn’t know Chelsea still owned the rights to his name, it has been revealed. The Special One was unaware of the situation which has caused his impending announcement as Manchester United’s new manager to be delayed. The Portuguese tactician was ‘cross’ upon finding out, but is satisfied the snag will not jeopardize his move to Old Trafford.

A source said the image rights were never an issue, citing the ‘goodwill on both sides’ and that a deal for Mourinho was always ‘going to take time’, despite expectations among United fans his arrival would be confirmed on Tuesday, after the sack of Louis van Gaal. Mourinho’s aganet, Jorges Mendes and Man United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward were negotiating the business, which was just a matter of deciding Chelsea’s fee.

United executive vice-chairman met Ed Woodward met Mourinho last week ahead of concluding a deal for the two-time Champions League winner. There were already reports that the former Chelsea coach Mourinho had a gentleman’s agreement to succeed Van Gaal, as far back as February. The club contacted Mendes the day after their humiliating Europa League round-of-32 first leg defeat to Midtjylland to receive assurances the Portuguese had no intention of rejoining Internazionale, whom he coached to 2010 Champions League glory.

Mendes is believed to have touched base with United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward last month for firmer guarantees his client would become United manager. Champions League qualification for United might have thwarted Mourinho but United’s fifth-placed finish ensured he would replace Van Gaal. Mourinho met Woodward in London last week as United intensified negotiations.