Sports

Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba open to Zinedine Zidane replacing Jose Mourinho

291

The French duo have had several bust ups with Mourinho (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United stars Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial are open to the idea of Zinedine Zidane replacing Jose Mourinho as manager of the Red Devils, according to reports.

The Portuguese coach is under increasing pressure at Old Trafford after a summer of discontent in the transfer market put his relationship with the clubs board – and CEO Ed Woodward – under extreme pressure.

Mourinho made his disappointment at missing out on key targets very public, having wanted a new centre-back as a priority, while his mood was made even worse after losing to Brighton.

TOPSHOT - Real Madrid's French coach Zinedine Zidane looks on after a press conference to announce his resignation in Madrid on May 31, 2018. Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said today he was leaving the Spanish giants, just days after winning the Champions League for the third year in a row. / AFP PHOTO / PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOUPIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images — Zidane surprisingly left Real Madrid after winning three straight Champions League titles (AFP)

Despite the drama engulfing Old Trafford, Uniteds board still support Mourinho – though Zidane is their first choice should the situation with the Portuguese coach deteriorate further.

Were United to replace Mourinho with Zidane, The Telegraph report that the decision would have a number of supporters within the dressing room, notably Pogba and Martial.

Advertisement Advertisement

More: Football

Pogba and Mourinho have had a number of run-ins, arguing over his performances and best position, while the midfielder has even sought a transfer away such is the toxicity of their relationship.

Martial, similarly, came close to leaving Old Trafford over the summer after growing frustrated with his lack of game time since Alexis Sanchezs arrival in January, while he was also criticised by his manager for not returning to the clubs tour of the United States after the birth of his son.

Pogba and Martial have both fallen out with Mourinho in the past few months (Picture: Getty)

The prospect of playing under France legend Zidane would appeal to both players, while Zizou came close to signing Pogba two years ago only for his compatriot to choose to return to Manchester.

Then in charge of Real Madrid, Zidane explained: Do I like Pogba? Of course, hes a very good player and every club wants the best players but right now hes at Juve and we have a large squad already.