Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a co-owner of Manchester United, reportedly has ambitions to bring in Zinedine Zidane, the former Real Madrid manager, to lead the club amid increasing uncertainty surrounding the future of current manager Erik ten Hag.
Manchester United’s recent 2-1 loss to Fulham at Old Trafford marked their 10th defeat in the Premier League this season, further complicating Ten Hag’s position.
Goals from Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi added pressure on the Dutch manager, fueling criticism of United’s playing style under his guidance.
Notably, football pundit Gary Neville has expressed doubts about Ten Hag’s tenure, suggesting that decisions may have already been made behind the scenes by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, co-owners of the club, awaiting the right moment for confirmation.
While Julian Nagelsmann and Roberto De Zerbi have been mentioned as potential candidates for the managerial role at Manchester United, reports indicate that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s primary goal is to secure Zinedine Zidane’s services.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly determined to restore Manchester United’s prominence in English and European football, viewing Zidane as the perfect candidate for success.
However, this ambition raises further questions about Erik ten Hag’s future, as Ratcliffe has yet to publicly support the current manager.
According to Santi Aouna and Sebastien Denis, Zidane’s potential appointment represents a significant departure from previous considerations, indicating a shift in the club’s strategic direction.
The influence of Jean-Claude Blanc, who previously attempted to recruit Zidane for Paris Saint-Germain, highlights the seriousness of United’s pursuit of the esteemed manager.
Zidane’s distinguished playing career, combined with his managerial accomplishments at Real Madrid, including multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles, solidify his reputation as one of football’s most successful figures.
