Jose Mourinho is seeking the public backing of the Manchester United board this week as the manager’s future remains in the balance.

The manager is not in immediate danger of the sack – it seems – and his position has been strengthened a little by the events of the last few days with one of the agents of Zidane Zidane, regarded by many as the favourite to succeed Mourinho, distancing his client.

Alain Migliaccio was quoted in the French newspaper Journal du Dimanche as saying: “I don’t think he’ll go to work in England, as it is not compatible with his style or approach to football. I discussed it with him and the idea really doesn’t attract him at all. He has chosen to take a sabbatical year and won’t change his mind on that.”

That view does tally with what sources close to Zidane are briefing: that he is unsure about the Premier League and certainly the prospect of taking over a team during a campaign should United eventually decide to part company with Mourinho.

At the same time it is clear that United have not sounded out any candidates at present and are hoping that Mourinho can turn things around and remain – at least – until the end of the season.