Manchester United have reportedly begun negotiations with former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane following this afternoon's 3-1 defeat to West Ham United.

The Red Devils were condemned to their worst start to a league season in 28 years as they slumped to their third defeat of the campaign against the Hammers, piling more pressure on the shoulders of under-fire boss Jose Mourinho.

United's season so far has been as notorious for off-field issues as it has for their poor form on the pitch, centring around a reported fallout between Mourinho and midfielder Paul Pogba.

BeIN Sports claims that the United hierarchy have already held initial talks with Zidane, who is understood to be their first choice as a possible replacement for Mourinho.

Zidane has been out of work since leaving Real at the end of last season, just days after leading the club to a third successive Champions League crown.

The former France international is thought to be interested in the possibility of taking over at Old Trafford and is reportedly learning English ahead of a potential move to the Premier League.