[Simon]

Manchester United have denied contacting Zinedine Zidane to replace Jose Mourinho as their manager.

Bookmakers have installed Mourinho as favourite, to become the first Premier League boss to be sacked this season, following his team’s 3-2 defeat at Brighton.

It comes amid speculation that former Real Madrid coach Zidane, is interested in succeeding Mourinho, three months after winning a hat-trick of Champions League titles and leaving the Bernabeu.

However, SportsMail claims United’s spokesman, has rubbished such speculations, saying: “Why would we discuss him when there is no job available?”

United are refusing to panic after just one defeat. However, Mourinho’s position is coming under even more scrutiny, after his side conceded three goals before half-time.

The club’s chief executive, Ed Woodward, sat stony-faced at the final whistle and visited the away dressing-room as usual after the game.