Man Utd chief’s private chat with Zidane revealed as Romano gives update on Ten Hag sack

Manchester United director Jean-Claude Blanc is reported to have kept communications lines open with Zinedine Zidane amid claims the Frenchman is the new favourite to become their new manager and with INEOS’s stance on Erik ten Hag coming to light.

The Red Devils have clumsily fumbled their way through the season’s opening weeks, collecting just three wins in 10 matches across all competitions to leave Manchester United down in a lowly 14th in the Premier League table and statistically nearer the relegation places than the top four. As a result, Ten Hag finds himself under increased pressure to turn results around and spare himself from the sack.

While a meeting at INEOS head offices last week decided against pulling the trigger for now, reports on Tuesday claim Ten Hag could be axed if positive results are not collected in their next two matches, at home to Brentford and away at Fenerbahce.

Now Fabrizio Romano has provided more clarity on those talks, explaining on his YouTube channel what went down: “They are preparing for the Brentford game. Ten Hag didn’t receive formal communication from the Man Utd board telling him he could continue the job.

“Man Utd board never felt they had to tell the manager anything. They discussed the situation, their problems at the club, and the slow start in the Premier League and Europa League but never had to tell something directly to Ten Hag