Former Real Madrid Coach Zinedine Zidane is set to become the manager of Manchester United after Erig Ten Hag sacking today.
Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha believes Zinedine Zidane is the best option to revive the club’s fortunes.
While Saha admires the work of current manager Erik ten Hag, he feels Zidane’s strict standards will bring a much-needed lift to the team’s psyche. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s co-owner, is at a crossroads with Ten Hag’s future following a season in which he won the FA Cup but also saw the club finish ninth in the Premier League, their lowest ever.
In an interview with OLBG (via the Mirror), Saha expressed his admiration for his countryman: “Zidane is the manager I would like to have at Manchester United for obvious reasons; he would do well, and he’s motivated to return to football, and I believe it will be difficult for him to stay out for another year.”
“They seem to take a different strategy than Zidane would. Too many players at United decrease their levels and lack consistency, while you need ten individuals obsessed with returning to the top to be successful.”
Saha has expressed his support for Ten Hag’s efforts at Old Trafford, but also anticipated that Zidane would be a “step ahead.” The former Real Madrid manager, who won two La Liga crowns and three consecutive Champions League wins with the club, has been out of job since 2021.
Champions League winner Saha, who played with Zidane when France finished second in the 2006 World Cup, described Zidane as a “very diligent worker” who “never asked his management for anything.” United have just overhauled its boardroom team to address issues that have plagued them in previous years, but recruiting remains a major source of worry.
Brazil winger Antony cost £80 million from Ajax but has struggled to justify the investment, while there are concerns about the massive contracts given to veterans like as Casemiro and Raphael Varane. But Saha feels Zidane’s ability to inspire a shift in mindset, as seen during his time with Real, might prove revolutionary for United.
However, he pointed out that if Zidane were to take over at Old Trafford, he would have to navigate a less-than-ideal transfer plan. Nonetheless, Saha believes Zidane’s desire for maximal effort from his players may lead to a better likelihood of victory.
