Reports are emerging that French football icon Zinedine Zidane might be contemplating a move to become the manager of Manchester United. Should Zidane replace the embattled Erik ten Hag, it’s believed that the former Real Madrid boss has his sights set on a key transfer target—Barcelona’s highly versatile defender, Jules Koundé. Zidane, often linked with top managerial vacancies across Europe, reportedly views Koundé as the ideal player to address Manchester United’s ongoing defensive issues.
Capable of playing both as a central defender and a right-back, Koundé is seen as a crucial asset who could bring much-needed stability to a backline that has struggled throughout the current season.
Manchester United are currently enduring one of their worst starts to a Premier League campaign in recent memory. After just seven games, they’ve only managed to accumulate eight points, leaving them in 14th place—a far cry from the club’s usual standards and expectations. The disappointing run has placed Erik ten Hag under significant scrutiny, with mounting pressure coming from fans, media, and the club’s leadership.
Despite growing calls for change, it appears the Dutch manager will keep his position, at least until after the upcoming international break. Ten Hag’s immediate concern is preparing the team for their next fixture against Brentford, which could be crucial in determining his short-term future at the club.
In recent statements, Ten Hag has acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly in attack, where the team has struggled to convert chances into goals. However, he remains adamant that progress is being made in other areas of the squad. Ten Hag continues to call for patience, asserting that the groundwork for long-term success is being laid. He remains optimistic that Manchester United can recover in the coming weeks, but the next few games are expected to be pivotal in determining whether he retains his position at Old Trafford.
The possibility of Zidane stepping in as United’s new manager adds another layer of intrigue to the club’s current managerial situation. Zidane, renowned for his tactical acumen and ability to manage elite-level players, has a decorated history, including three Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
Should he take over from Ten Hag, reports suggest that his first priority would be bolstering the defense, with Koundé as his top target. Zidane is said to be a great admirer of the French international, whose performances for Barcelona have been exceptional.
Koundé, known for his intelligent game-reading, composure in tight situations, and physicality, is viewed by Zidane as the ideal solution to Manchester United’s defensive woes. The current defensive lineup has been inconsistent, and Koundé’s addition could provide the stability and leadership that has been missing. His ability to play in multiple positions across the backline also offers tactical flexibility, something Zidane highly values in his teams.
While it remains uncertain if Zidane will take the helm at Manchester United, the speculation surrounding his potential appointment and his admiration for players like Koundé suggests that significant changes could be on the horizon. As the rumors continue to swirl, all eyes will be on Manchester United’s performances in the coming weeks. If Ten Hag fails to turn things around, Zidane’s arrival could shake up the Premier League, bringing a fresh approach and injecting new life into a struggling United squad.
