Manchester United officials are set to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following an emergency meeting, according to the MEN.
Old Trafford bosses called the meeting on Saturday night in the wake of yet another humiliating Premier League defeat.
The Red Devils were thrashed 4-1 by Watford at Vicarage Road, meaning they have now picked up just four points from a possible 21 in the league.
Solskjaer cut a resigned figure after the full-time whistle offering a hand as a way of apologising to the stunned and disgruntled away support.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Would Zidane be a good replacement for Solskjaer? Let us know in the comments
It was anticipated that Solskjaer would be relieved of his duties with immediate effect, with reports claiming discussions over his compensation package was high on the agenda for the hastily called meeting.
But United appear to be giving themselves time to find a replacement before officially wielding the axe.
Zinedine Zidane is believed to be the frontrunner to replace Solskjaer, but the Frenchman has major reservations over taking on the role in the middle of the season.
Zidane, who stunned Real Madrid by leaving the Bernabeu at the end of last season, also has a poor grasp on the English language meaning a move to the Premier League could prove difficult.
However, the idea of working with former Madrid stars Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo could be an appealing one for a man that won the Champions League three times during his two stints in the Spanish capital.
The Times report that United owners, the Glazer family, have instructed officials to make a concerted effort to land Zidane, even if that takes a bigger financial offer to get a deal over the line.
Manchester Evening News earlier reported that players became emotional upon realising Solskjaer's fate.
"I always have belief in myself, but at the moment it's a difficult time for us,” Solskjaer told Sky Sports. “I can trust every single one out there to give what they have, but the results are difficult.
"I believe we can turn this round.
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"I understand the fans, who have supported the club through thick and thin, and have been great over the last few years.
“It's a difficult period, we have had a hard time since Sir Alex left, and the fans who have been here - since I came in - have been unbelievable.
"They understood the situation, the signings this summer raised expectations, rightly so, because we brought some top players in and having been second last year, we hoped to kick on.”
