Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may be under increasing pressure following another bad performance against rivals Manchester City, and journalist Ben Jacobs has told GIVEMESPORT that former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is likely to be on INEOS’ shortlist to succeed him.
The Red Devils have had an inconsistent season so far, having been knocked out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup, and are 11 points behind Aston Villa in the fight to finish in the top four of the Premier League. With INEOS acquired a 25% share in the team earlier this season, they may be considering a change in the dugout ahead of the upcoming season.
Zidane is now out of employment after leaving Real Madrid, and he may be looking for the proper opportunity to return to management. It remains to be seen whether the Manchester club appeals to the former French midfielder, but the Red Devils may be interested in bringing him to Old Trafford.
Manchester United could want Zinedine Zidane
According to Foot Mercato, Manchester United’s new owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, hopes to hire Zidane at Old Trafford if the Frenchman is interested in the position. The 51-year-old manager has had a lot of success as a coach, but it will be three years in June since he last worked.
Zidane has won 11 titles in his management career, including La Liga (twice), the UEFA Super Cup (twice), the Spanish Super Cup (twice), the Champions League three years in a row, and the FIFA Club World Cup twice. The former France international has also been crowned the World’s Best Club Coach twice, indicating that he has extensive managerial experience.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano recently told GIVEMESPORT that INEOS will likely allow ten Hag more time to adapt his approach at Old Trafford, but he will need to show indications of development throughout the season. The Dutch manager sent his United side to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City at the weekend, but the Red Devils failed to get a grip on the game after Marcus Rashford opened the scoring.
Ben Jacobs – Zidane will be on Manchester United’s shortlist
Jacobs has stated that Zidane is likely to be on Manchester United’s shortlist to replace ten Hag if INEOS decides to make the move. The writer adds that while he does not expect Ten Hag to quit before the end of the season, they may prepare ahead for the summer. Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs stated…
“INEOS is well aware of Zidane’s ability, and if they were to create a shortlist, Zidane would almost certainly be on it. However, there is no massive plot against Ten Hag coming in and replacing him. There is just a desire to assess fairly, and if the assessment is to progress beyond 10 Hag, it must proceed rapidly. So, while I do not believe ten Hag will go before the end of the season, it is very probable that, as with Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich, a decision will be taken before the season finishes, even if it is not public. Because INEOS will either want to inform ten Hag early that he is staying or tell ten Hag early that he is leaving, allowing them to go out into the market and begin the process of replacing him.
Thomas Tuchel would’relish’ the chance to join United
Journalist Jacobs also told GIVEMESPORT that current Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel would welcome the opportunity to handle United. The Bundesliga team just revealed that Tuchel would be leaving at the conclusion of the season.
Christian Falk has claimed that Tuchel wishes to return to the Premier League for his next job after being fired by Chelsea last season. The German manager may feel he has unfinished business in England, and United might be one of the clubs looking for a new manager this summer.