Zinedine Zidane has reportedly contacted Jose Mourinho to assure the Manchester United manager that he is not plotting behind his back.

The 46-year-old is the strong favourite to succeed Mourinho at Old Trafford should United chiefs swing the axe following their poor start to the season.

According to The Sun, the Portuguese has been given a week to save his job, with games against Valencia and Newcastle United to come over the next six days.

Zidane has already been asked if he would be interested in the high-profile position, it is claimed, but the Frenchman has assured Mourinho that he does not intend to step on his toes.

A separate report suggests that Zidane, out of work since stepping down as Real Madrid boss in May, has started English lessons ahead of the United job becoming available.