Manchester United have been quick to rubbish reports that they’ve held initial discussions with Zinedine Zidane.
With Jose Mourinho facing ever-increasing pressure following Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to West Ham, it was claimed that United had opened talks with the former Real Madrid manager.
Mourinho is now in the midst of United’s worst start to a Premier League season in 29 years and odds have been slashed on him losing his job.
And, according to beIN Sports, Zidane has already been sounded out by the Red Devils with a move to offer him a contract.
“Sources close to beIN Sports are suggesting Manchester United have had initial conversations with Zinedine Zidane,” said Richard Keys.
Sources close to @beINSPORTS are suggesting that Manchester United have had initial conversations with Zinedine Zidane! #beINPL #MUFC pic.twitter.com/2YfHsjYxTF
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) September 29, 2018
But the club has moved to rubbish the claims of Keys by describing the reports as “nonsense” according to well-connected reporter, James Robson.
While it’s entirely possible that no contact has been made, it should be pointed out that United also denied media reports that they held meetings with Louis van Gaal in 2014, only for the Dutchman to take over a couple of months later.
It remains to be seen how true the rumours are of United’s interest in having Zidane replace Mourinho but there are few candidates more qualified than the French legend and it’s difficult to pretend that Mourinho’s job isn’t in jeopardy at this point in time.