Finally: See what Man United Board says about Zinedane replacing Mourinho

Finally: See what Man United Board says about Zinedane replacing Mourinho 

Manchester United dismiss Zinedine Zidane speculation as pressure mounts on Jose Mourinho

Manchester United have no intention of hiring Zinedine Zidane and insist Jose Mourinho still has the club’s full backing.

The Red Devils collapsed to a 3-2 defeat to Brighton on Sunday but the manner of the loss, after a summer in which Mourinho has cut an angry and dispirited figure, will concern the club’s board.

Mourinho was handed a contract extension in January but his relationship with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has come under increasing strain as Mourinho had his defensive transfer targets vetoed in the dying days of the window. Zidane has been without a job since resigning as Real Madrid boss following his third straight Champions League title in May.

However, United – publicly at least – are sticking with Mourinho and insist there is no interest in Zidane. ‘Why would we discuss Zidane when there is no job,’ a senior source told the BBC.

Mourinho predicted a ‘difficult’ season following a summer in which Woodward managed to sign just Fred as a first-team recruit. United take on Spurs at Old Trafford next Monday before a tricky trip to Burnley the following week in what is shaping up to be a difficult start for the Red Devils.