Reports indicate that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, is harboring aspirations to enlist former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane as the head of the club.
This development comes amidst increasing uncertainty surrounding the future of current manager Erik ten Hag, who has faced mounting pressure following Manchester United’s recent 2-1 defeat to Fulham, marking their 10th loss in the Premier League this season.
The criticism directed at Ten Hag has not only centered on the team’s lackluster performance but also on the perceived shortcomings in the style of play under his management.
Football pundit Gary Neville has expressed doubts about Ten Hag’s continued tenure, hinting at potential behind-the-scenes decisions being made by co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford.
While managerial options like Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi have been floated, emerging reports suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is actively pursuing the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as a priority.
Ratcliffe is purportedly eager to revitalize Manchester United’s standing in English and European football, identifying Zidane as the ideal candidate for such a significant task.
Notably, this pursuit of Zidane casts doubt on Erik ten Hag’s future, as Ratcliffe has refrained from publicly endorsing the current manager.
The potential recruitment of Zinedine Zidane signifies a notable shift in Manchester United’s managerial strategy.
The influence of Jean-Claude Blanc, who had previously sought to bring Zidane to Paris Saint-Germain, underscores the seriousness with which United is pursuing the French football icon.
Zidane’s illustrious playing career and managerial triumphs at Real Madrid, where he secured multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles, further bolster his standing as one of the most accomplished figures in football.
As the managerial saga at Manchester United unfolds, the potential arrival of Zinedine Zidane could herald a new chapter for the club, bringing with it the expectations of success and a return to prominence both domestically and on the European stage.