Manager Jose Mourinho retains the full backing of Manchester United's board despite Sunday's 3-2 Premier League defeat at Brighton.
The result and performance has attracted widespread criticism.
Mourinho is the favourite to be the next Premier League boss to leave his job, with suggestions that former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is being considered as a potential replacement.
A United source said: "Why would we discuss Zidane when there is no job?"
Mourinho was disappointed by the failure to make more outfield signings during the summer transfer window beyond Brazil midfielder Fred and teenage full-back Diogo Dalot, who is injured.
He wanted additional cover in central defence and an alternative to Anthony Martial out wide.
However, in both instances, the United board felt there was no worthwhile signing available.
'Man Utd should have backed Mourinho'
United were linked with several defenders during the close season, including Leicester's Harry Maguire, Tottenham's Toby Alderweireld and Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng.
Speaking on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, former United defender Gary Neville said the club should have supported Mourinho in the transfer window.
Neville added: "The minute that he [Woodward] gave Jose Mourinho a contract extension - which some would say was unnecessary part way through a season - but believing in a manager, showing the faith, he had to then buy him the centre-backs.
"Irrespective of the manager, Manchester United need new centre-backs.
"My view is that Maguire and Alderweireld would have been good options. If they cost £120m to bring them in, then that's what you have to do.
"My view would be that he's got to stay until the very end of that contract and be backed until the end of that contract if you're going to give a contract extension as the CEO of the club.
"At the moment, there is definitely an angst there between the club and the manager.
"Don't get me wrong - the club has supported him. But you can't three quarters build a house - you have to finish the job.
"United need serious football people to guide what they are doing."
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