Van Gaal: Mourinho talks would be a blow

London - Louis van Gaal says he would be upset if it is true that Manchester United have approached Jose Mourinho behind his back.

Embattled United boss van Gaal takes his team to Sunderland on Saturday with speculation mounting that Mourinho is waiting in the wings to take charge at Old Trafford.

United have refused to deny reports they have spoken to Mourinho in recent weeks following their team's slump and the former Chelsea boss is said to have made it clear he is ready to replace van Gaal if the Dutchman is sacked or departs at the end of the season.

Van Gaal concedes it is plausible the club have made contact with Mourinho in secret, but he is hoping that is not the case.

"Then I shall be disappointed (if contact has been made)," he said.

"Because that is the consequence of what I have said. In a football world that is possible, I know, but I do not think that.

"I have a relationship with (executive vice chairman) Ed (Woodward) and the Glazers, they (would) tell me I think."