How Chelsea is delaying Mourinho's unveiling at Manchester United

Hold up: Mourinho will not be announced until Thursday at the earliest

Chelsea’s ownership of the copyright of Jose Mourinho’s signature, is one aspect holding up a deal for him to become new Manchester United boss.

The Red Devils will now not announce the Special One as their new manager until Thursday at the earliest.

Personal terms have been agreed between Mourinho and United, with lawyers now scrutinising the finer details of the three-year agreement.

It is understood the issue of intellectual property rights, in particular the Blues’ ownership of the copyright of Mourinho’s signature, is causing the hitch.

United, however, remain relaxed about that hurdle in their negotiations with Mendes and expect to announce Mourinho, 53, as Louis van Gaal’s successor on Thursday.

Mourinho’s first game in charge of United will be a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund in Shanghai on July 22, before renewing his fierce rivalry with Pep Guardiola against Manchester City in Beijing on July 25.