Manchester United stars Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial are said to be excited about 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 club’s board and CEO Ed Woodward under extreme pressure.

Rumours about his future also gathered pace after a narrow 2-1 Premier League opening day victory over Leicester was followed by a woeful performance and a 3-2 defeat at Brighton last weekend.

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

Zidane surprisingly left Real Madrid earlier this summer after winning three straight Champions League titles at the Bernabeu.

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.

Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial are said to be keen on Zinedine Zidane replacing Jose Mourinho.

Pogba and Mourinho have had a number of run-ins, including a high profile bust-up last season that resulted in the Frenchman being benched for a sustained period after a poor run of form.

The pair have argued 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 Sanchez’s arrival in January, while he has also been criticised regularly by his manager.

The latest run-in was when the sulky French forward failed to return to the club’s tour of the United States after the birth of his son.

The prospect of playing under France legend Zidane is said to appeal to both players.

Zidane came close to signing Pogba two years ago only for his compatriot to choose to return to Manchester.

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