Manchester United scarves with Jose Mourinho's face on them are being sold outside Old Trafford today ahead of the Premier League match with Chelsea.

It appears canny stall holders are trying to get ahead of the game (and irk the visiting supporters) by giving fans a chance to show their support for a manager who is being strongly linked with replacing current boss Louis van Gaal.

Since being sacked by Chelsea earlier this month, Mourinho has been heavily linked with becoming Manchester United's next manager. The continued poor results under Van Gaal have only fuelled the speculation, with sections of support singing the name of the 'Special One' during the 2-0 defeat to Stoke on Boxing Day.

The area around Old Trafford is full of stalls selling products to those arriving at the stadium. The Mourinho scarves are not official club merchandise.

The Independent understands that Manchester United are trying desperately to stop Van Gaal from walking away from Old Trafford, with the Dutchman deeply embarrassed by the club's current losing streak.

This newspaper understands that Van Gaal has spoken with United’s executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, since the excruciating defeat at Stoke on Saturday and been reassured that the club still believe he is the man to stay at the helm.

Mourinho is understood to be keen on replacing Van Gaal should the opportunity arrive, but Manchester United's board is split on whether he is the right man to take the club forward.