Manchester United dismiss contact with potential Mourinho replacement

Senior figures at Manchester United have dismissed reports they have held initial discussions with former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane about replacing Jose Mourinho, claims The Daily Telegraph.

Mourinho’s future at Old Trafford has plunged further into doubt since United’s shock 3-1 defeat away to West Ham on Saturday and there is speculation he could even be sacked by the end of the week.

United chief executive has previously backed Mourinho’s position at the club but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to make a case to defend the Portuguese with each passing week.

Defeat on Saturday equalled United’s worst ever Premier League start after seven matches (10 points) and Zidane is the overwhelming favourite to replace Mourinho.

Zidane has been out of work since resigning as Madrid boss at the end of last season but is now ready to return to work and is reportedly even taking English lessons.

The Frenchman led Madrid to three successive European titles but United have refuted claims they have already reached out to 46-year-old.

United are already nine points adrift of league leaders Manchester City and Liverpool and there are suggestions the dressing room at Old Trafford is becoming increasingly depressed.