In a recent interview on Sky Sports, football legend Zinedine Zidane offered his candid take on Manchester United’s current managerial situation, sparking conversations among fans and pundits alike. Known for his straightforward approach, Zidane weighed in on the uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future as United’s manager and the overall direction of the club.
Despite being frequently linked with the Old Trafford job in the past, the former Real Madrid coach surprised many by ruling himself out as a candidate for the role. Instead, Zidane endorsed two former Manchester United figures—Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer—as potential replacements for Ten Hag.
Zidane expressed his frustration with the club’s current state, saying, “I honestly don’t understand what the fans or the club expect anymore. Manchester United doesn’t need another ‘me’ or any other high-profile manager after Ten Hag. What they need is someone who truly understands the club’s culture.” He emphasized the importance of having a manager who understands Manchester United’s identity, rather than just relying on a big-name appointment.
Zidane’s recommendation of Carrick and Solskjaer stems from their deep connections with the club. Carrick, who briefly served as interim manager after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure and before Ten Hag’s appointment, is highly respected for his time as both a player and coach at United. Solskjaer, who led United for three years, also shares a rich history with the club as both a player and a manager. According to Zidane, appointing one of these former players would benefit the club in the long run, even if it meant enduring short-term struggles.
“I’d rather see Michael Carrick or Ole Gunnar take over,” Zidane said. “Sure, it might involve some struggles for a season or two, but long-term, you’ll see success—winning trophies. Or, you could hire a big-name manager, win some trophies early, and then deal with the struggles later. That’s the Premier League for you—ask José Mourinho.” Zidane’s mention of Mourinho highlighted the Portuguese manager’s rocky tenure at United, where initial success was followed by a sharp decline.
Zidane believes that Manchester United’s future lies in building from within and staying true to the club’s roots. He emphasized that managers like Carrick and Solskjaer, who have both played and managed at United, understand the unique culture of the club.
“Manchester United’s culture is unique, built on resilience, attacking football, and nurturing young talent. You need a manager who lived that culture as a player, someone who knows what it means to wear the badge and fight for the club,” he said.
Zidane’s comments have struck a chord with many Manchester United fans. While some remain optimistic about Ten Hag’s ability to turn things around, others are concerned about the team’s inconsistency and identity crisis.
Zidane’s endorsement of Carrick and Solskjaer has evoked feelings of nostalgia for United supporters who remember Solskjaer’s tenure fondly and recognize Carrick’s potential as a leader.
As the debate over Manchester United’s managerial future continues, Zidane’s remarks have added a new dimension to the conversation. Fans and experts alike are now considering whether the club should focus on bringing in a manager who deeply understands its philosophy, rather than relying on another high-profile appointment. Whether Zidane’s suggestions will influence the club’s leadership remains to be seen, but his perspective has undoubtedly sparked a fresh discussion among the United faithful.
