Former Real Madrid Coach Zinedine Zidane is set to become the manager of this Premier League club
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a co-owner of Manchester United, reportedly envisions appointing Zinedine Zidane, formerly of Real Madrid, amid growing uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s tenure at the club. The recent 2-1 loss to Fulham at Old Trafford marked United’s 10th Premier League defeat this season. Goals from Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi compounded the pressure on Ten Hag, who has faced criticism not only for results but also for the team’s style of play.
Gary Neville recently weighed in on Ten Hag’s precarious position, suggesting that Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford may have already decided to replace him, awaiting an opportune moment to confirm their choice. Speculation abounds regarding potential replacements, with Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi among the names linked to the managerial role.
However, Ratcliffe’s primary objective appears to be securing Zidane’s services, reflecting his ambitious vision to restore United’s dominance in English and European football. The billionaire businessman sees Zidane as the catalyst for rejuvenating the club’s fortunes, preferring him over Ten Hag.
With Ten Hag’s future hanging in the balance and Ratcliffe’s apparent reluctance to publicly support him, there’s a palpable sense of urgency at Old Trafford. INEOS, the club’s co-owner, is actively pursuing a high-profile coach to spearhead United’s resurgence and end their 11-year wait for an English title.
According to reports, INEOS is solely focused on entrusting Zidane with the reins of Manchester United, indicating a clear direction in their managerial pursuit. Zidane’s pedigree as both a player and a coach, highlighted by his numerous titles with Real Madrid, lends weight to the proposition.
Moreover, the influence of figures like Jean-Claude Blanc, who holds Zidane in high regard, further underscores the allure of bringing the Frenchman to Manchester. Blanc’s previous attempts to recruit Zidane during his tenure at Paris Saint-Germain underscore the mutual respect between the two.
Zidane’s illustrious career, marked by his success as a player and a manager, makes him an attractive proposition for a club like Manchester United eager to reclaim its former glory. His track record of winning domestic and European titles with Real Madrid attests to his managerial acumen and underscores the rationale behind Ratcliffe’s fervent pursuit of his services.