The suggestion that Jose Mourinho has written a six-page letter, in which he offered his services to Manchester United, is "absolutely ridiculous and totally absurd", according to the former Chelsea man's agent Jorge Mendes.

A report published last night claimed that the out-of-work Mourinho had informed the Old Trafford board of his strong desire to manage the 20-time champions of England, as well as vowing to change his playing style to suit the club's traditions.

The speculation broke after United had been jeered off by supporters once again following their 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Southampton - a result that has seen the pressure mount on the current occupier of the hotseat Louis van Gaal.

However, in a short statement on his company Gestifute's official website, Mendes rubbished the idea that his client had taken the time to promote himself in such a manner.

"It does not occur to anyone that a coach like Jose Mourinho can write letters to clubs offering their services. It is absolutely ridiculous and totally absurd," he said.

Mourinho is the favourite with the bookmakers to replace Van Gaal, ahead of Ryan Giggs, Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone.