Massimiliano Allegri has reportedly informed Manchester United that he wants to take charge of the club but will not wait more than a few weeks to be contacted.
United have made their worst start to a top-flight campaign for 30 years, having collected just nine points from their opening eight Premier League matches of the season.
There is already believed to be huge pressure on head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has lost 12 of his 40 matches in charge of the Red Devils since December.
Allegri is currently out of work having left Juventus at the end of last season, and according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the experienced manager is interested in a move to Old Trafford.
However, the same report claims that the 52-year-old is not prepared to wait more than a few weeks to take the position, meaning that United would have to act fast to secure his services.
The 20-time English champions are also believed to be monitoring RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann, who is allegedly regarded as an option should the team's poor run of form continue.
Matt Law
