United fans sold Mourinho’s scarves outside Old Trafford

Manchester United’s scarves with Jose Mourinho on Monday were on sale outside Old Trafford ahead of Monday’s Premier League showdown with Chelsea.

Mourinho’s former side take on Louis van Gaal’s United as speculation over the Dutch manager’s future at Old Trafford continues.

United’s last win in the Premier League was over a month ago and pressure is growing on Van Gaal after his side suffered a fourth successive defeat for the first time since 1961.

Defeat to Chelsea would be the first time the club has lost five games on the trot in a single season for 79 years and street vendors outside Old Trafford have reacted to the dismal run of form by selling merchandise bearing the face and name of the ‘Special One’.

The red scarves, which had Mourinho’s face on them, were clearly not official club merchandise, but a few home fans still bought them prior to kick-off.

The scarf-seller, who was asking £10 for the scarves, yelled “Welcome to Old Trafford, Mourinho!”

Van Gaal, who hinted he could resign after the Boxing Day defeat to Stoke, pulled no punches in his programme notes, writing.

“There is no disguising the fact that we are in a very bad period, the worst I have known since I became Manchester United Manager, and I know things must improve immediately,” he wrote.

Van Gaal then went on to write about Guus Hiddink, who was appointed interim Chelsea boss after Mourinho’s sacking.

“As you will know, my fellow countryman Guus Hiddink is in charge at Stamford Bridge until the end of the season. It came as a big surprise to see Jose Mourinho leave Chelsea, but we know how cruel football can be.”

Van Gaal recalled captain Wayne Rooney to his starting XI for the match against Chelsea.

The England skipper started up front, replacing Marouane Fellaini, who dropped to the bench.

Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Matteo Darmian also came in for Michael Carrick, Memphis Depay and Phil Jones.

Eden Hazard started up front for Chelsea in the place of suspended striker Diego Costa.