MANCHESTER UNITED have backed Jose Mourinho to continue as manager despite claims Zinedine Zidane wants the job, according to reports.
Manchester United boss Mourinho has come in for criticism in recent weeks after cutting a frustrated figure in pre-season.
The 55-year-old is facing the biggest campaign of his managerial career having failed to guide the Red Devils to silverware last term, finishing second in the Premier League to Manchester City and losing a dire FA Cup final to Chelsea at Wembley.
Mourinho’s position at Manchester United appeared to have weakened with his relationships with Ed Woodward and Paul Pogba in the spotlight.
But the Irish Independent claim that Red Devils insiders insist that Mourinho will be continuing as manager and that the club feel they can challenge for the Premier League title.
On paper, United’s squad is one of the strongest in the top flight.
They possess world-class players in the form of Pogba, Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku and David De Gea – but still appear to be a work in progress.
Mourinho took over from Louis van Gaal in 2016 and survived a chastening first season by winning the EFL Cup and Europa League titles.
Last term, however, they finished the campaign without a trophy to their name.
City’s swashbuckling football, coupled with Liverpool’s stunning charge to the Champions League final, added to United’s woes.
But the Irish Independent say the board still back Mourinho to steer the club to a first league triumph since 2013, when Sir Alex Ferguson ruled the roost.
News of United’s determination to stand by Mourinho could come as a blow to Zidane.
Reports in France yesterday claimed the Real Madrid legend had his eye on taking over at Old Trafford.
Zidane quit Real Madrid in the summer and has taken on a new role at another of his old clubs, Serie A giants Juventus.
But it appears he is already eyeing a way back to management but, barring any big Mourinho issues, it will not be at United.
Source:www.express.co.uk