Paul Scholes has suggested that Manchester United should consider Zinedine Zidane as a strong alternative to Ruben Amorim in their pursuit of a new permanent manager, following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag on Monday.
Currently, the football operations at Old Trafford are being overseen by Ineos, which has taken an active role in guiding the search for a permanent head coach. Former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped in as the interim manager, although it remains unclear whether he would be interested in taking on the role permanently.
Reports indicate that Manchester United has already reached a preliminary agreement with Sporting Lisbon for Ruben Amorim, who notably led the club to its first Portuguese league title in nearly 20 years. Amorim’s reputation has also sparked speculation that he could be in line for the Manchester City job should Pep Guardiola decide to leave his position in the near future.
Despite Amorim’s accolades, Scholes has expressed some reservations about his suitability for a club of Manchester United’s stature. Scholes has recommended Zidane, citing the Frenchman’s considerable experience and track record at Real Madrid as a safer option. Zidane’s managerial career is highlighted by multiple Champions League triumphs and domestic league titles, demonstrating his ability to thrive under the pressure of managing a top-tier club.
Scholes did acknowledge that Zidane’s potential language barrier might pose a challenge in adapting to the Premier League, but emphasized that Zidane’s accomplishments speak for themselves and make him a prime candidate for the job.
“Amorim brings a fresh and intriguing tactical approach, but there is an element of risk involved,” Scholes told the Premier League’s official website. “The fact that he is being considered as a possible successor to Pep Guardiola at City shows that he has the talent, but Manchester United needs to be cautious with their choice.”
In addition to Zidane, Scholes highlighted other potential candidates like Thomas Frank of Brentford, emphasizing the importance of experience in managing high-profile clubs. He pointed out that Manchester United requires a manager who is not only tactically adept but also experienced in handling the unique pressures and expectations that come with leading one of the most famous football clubs in the world.
“Zidane has proven his capabilities by achieving significant success at a club as demanding as Real Madrid, but it’s uncertain if he would be interested in coming to England,” Scholes added. This remark underscored the importance of securing a manager who understands the complexities of managing a team of United’s caliber and can restore stability and competitiveness to the squad.