Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha believes Zinedine Zidane is the ideal candidate to revive the club’s fortunes.
Although Saha respects the efforts of current manager Erik ten Hag, he thinks Zidane’s high standards could provide a crucial boost to the team’s mentality.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s co-owner, is uncertain about Ten Hag’s future after a season where the club won the FA Cup but finished ninth in the Premier League, their lowest position ever.
In an interview with OLBG (via the Mirror), Saha expressed his support for his fellow Frenchman: “Zidane is the manager I would like to see at Manchester United for obvious reasons; he would do well, and he’s motivated to return to football. I believe it will be hard for him to stay out for another year.”
“They seem to take a different strategy than Zidane would. Too many players at United lower their standards and lack consistency. You need ten players obsessed with getting back to the top to succeed.”
While Saha acknowledges Ten Hag’s efforts at Old Trafford, he believes Zidane would be a “step ahead.”
The former Real Madrid manager, who won two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions League trophies with the club, has been out of work 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 recently overhauled their boardroom team to address longstanding issues, but recruitment remains a significant concern.
Brazilian winger Antony, who cost £80 million from Ajax, has struggled to justify the investment, and there are worries about the large contracts given to veterans like Casemiro and Raphael Varane.
Saha believes Zidane’s ability to inspire a change in mindset, as seen during his time with Real Madrid, could be transformative for United.
However, Saha notes that if Zidane were to take over at Old Trafford, he would face challenges with the current transfer strategy.
Despite this, Saha is confident that Zidane’s demand for maximum effort from his players could lead to greater success.