Ronaldo Defends Jose Mourinho After Zinedine Zidane, Manchester United Rumours

Brazil legend Ronaldo has said Manchester United must be cautious about manager Jose Mourinho's future, with Zinedine Zidane reportedly interested in a move to Old Trafford. 

Speaking to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Metro), the former Real Madrid and Barcelona striker defended Mourinho, even as Zidane reportedly waits in the wings.

"I don't know what's happening in Manchester, but wait before criticising Mourinho," Ronaldo said. "He's special and he's won a lot."

David Anderson of the Mirror reported on Wednesday that Zidane, who left Madrid in the summer, is ready and willing to take over at the Theatre of Dreams if the Red Devils ax Mourinho.

Zidane won three straight UEFA Champions League titles as Real manager and captured La Liga in 2016/17.

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The former Madrid boss is one of the most well-respected figures in football. Besides his coaching achievements, he won the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA World Cup with France in 1998.

Mourinho has watched his side capitulate in the opening weeks of the Premier League season, collecting only three points from a possible nine.

United travel to Burnley on Sunday, and a defeat to the Clarets could leave the Portuguese walking a tightrope.

Mourinho was defiant in his pre-match press conference on Friday, insisting he is still one of football's elite coaches.

The United boss told the media: "I am the manager of one of the greatest clubs in the world, but I'm also one of the greatest managers in the world."

However, TalkSport presenter Adrian Durham declared Mourinho wouldn't make his top 10, stating Zidane is a better coach:

Mourinho cannot afford a loss at Turf Moor, and United's chances of winning the league aren't promising despite a second-placed showing last season.

Paul Pogba's inconsistent form has been a damaging side issue for the Red Devils boss, and the overall chemistry in the starting XI has been progressively dwindling in 2018.

Supporters and pundits have rightfully questioned Mourinho's tactics, but it will be results that decide whether the manager will be given time to correct his mistakes in Manchester.