Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a co-owner of Manchester United, envisions handing over the managerial reins to Zinedine Zidane amid growing uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future at the club.
Following United’s 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Sunday, marking their tenth Premier League loss of the season, questions loom over Ten Hag’s leadership.
Despite Ten Hag facing criticism for United’s style of play, particularly evident in their recent loss to Fulham, the club’s performance has been lackluster even in victories.
With INEOS entering the picture, speculation mounts regarding Ten Hag’s tenure, with figures like Sir Dave Brailsford and Daniel Ratcliffe possibly already making decisions behind the scenes.
While Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi are among the names linked with the managerial position, Ratcliffe’s ultimate ambition is to secure Zidane’s services.
Ratcliffe’s aspiration to restore United’s prominence in English and European football fuels his desire to see Zidane lead the team, eclipsing Ten Hag’s role in the process.
INEOS’s purported pursuit of a new head coach aligns with Ratcliffe’s vision of ushering in a new era of success at United under Zidane’s guidance. The tabloid’s assertion that INEOS is solely fixated on Zidane underscores the magnitude of Ratcliffe’s ambition and the pressure on Ten Hag to deliver tangible results.
While Zidane’s previous consideration for a role at United adds context, the current circumstances suggest a more serious intent behind the pursuit.
United’s association with Jean-Claude Blanc further accentuates the club’s determination to attract top-tier talent, with Blanc’s respect for Zidane amplifying the allure of Old Trafford.
Zidane’s illustrious playing and managerial career, marked by multiple La Liga and Champions League triumphs with Real Madrid, positions him as a revered figure in football.
His potential arrival at United represents a significant coup and a statement of intent from the club’s ownership, signaling a shift towards reclaiming past glories.