Manchester United manager is Jose Mourinho's first choice for next job despite Real Madrid wanting him back

Red leader? Manchester United's struggles could offer Mourinho a quick return to management

Jose Mourinho is ready to keep Real Madrid waiting - in the hope of getting theManchester United job.

Former Chelsea boss Mourinho is desperate to stay in England and wants to take over at Old Trafford if Louis van Gaal does get sacked following United’s slump in form.

Van Gaal is under mounting pressure after six games without a win, three losses in a row and Champions League group-stage elimation, while United's football under him has also been slammed as boring.

He is now facing a major battle to keep his job — the position which Mourinho regards as his dream ticket back into management.

It's understood club bosses feel Boxing Day defeat at Stoke would make the Dutchman's position untenable.

Action Images via Reuters

Hot-seat: Fans are calling for Van Gaal to go after six games without a win and three straight losses

We revealed in October that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is ready to reappoint Mourinho, despite his acrimonious exit from the Bernabeu in 2013 after three years in charge.

Rafa Benitez has himself been under-fire at Real and although Mourinho is favourite to replace him, the ex-Chelsea boss is in no rush to go back there.

Mourinho’s first priority is to stay in England, as he is determined to prove a point to the Blues, and owner Roman Abramovich, that they made a mistake by firing him for the second time in eight years.

The 52-year-old Portuguese has always secretly dreamed of one day taking over at Old Trafford and harboured the ambition of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson, who retired in 2013 and was replaced by Van Gaal's predecessor David Moyes.

Now, the door could be open again.

Getty

History repeating? Real Madrid chief Perez (left) would like to re-enact this 2010 photo

United looks to be the only option for him among the big sides in England — Manchester City’s sights are on Pep Guardiola, Mourinho’s fall-outs with Arsenal makes that move impossible when Arsene Wenger eventually goes and Liverpool have only recently appointed Jurgen Klopp.

Paris Saint-Germain has also been touted as a potential destination, but Mirror Sport understands both sides have major reservations.

PA

Keeping his eye in: Sacked on Thursday, Mourinho watched Brighton's game on Saturday

It all leaves Mourinho - who issued a statement this weekend saying he will stay in London and wants to get straight back into work - with one obvious destination.

United may also decide they should act now and grab Mourinho to replace Van Gaal rather than risk allowing the Special One to land elsewhere.

Chelsea - now under interim boss Guus Hiddink - visit Old Trafford for a Premier League game next Monday night.