Manchester United are considering former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane as their next manager, if Jose Mourinho calls it quits.
According to a report by The Sun, Manchester United seem to have zeroed in on their next manager. The Premier League heavyweights are considering former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane to take over from Jose Mourinho, if and when the Portuguese leaves.
Jose Mourinho’s stint as the Manchester United manager has been a mixed bag. The manager did enjoy some success in his maiden campaign, with the Europa League and League Cup triumphs to boot. While there were major improvements in the Premier League, with a second place finish last season, the Red Devils finished the campaign trophyless.
Heading into his third season as the Manchester United boss, there has been speculation that the infamous “third season syndrome” could be kicking in. Mourinho has been left dismayed by the club’s poor transfer business this summer, in addition to a significantly reduced squad. There have even been reports of the dressing room becoming unsettled, although several players have refuted the claims.
But, with a growing feeling that 2018-19 could be his final season at Old Trafford, a former Real Madrid manager has become a candidate to replace Mourinho. Zinedine Zidane has been on a hiatus since walking away from the Real Madrid job in May. But, he could be fast tracked into the top job at Manchester United soon enough.
Zidane enjoyed unprecedented success as Real Madrid manager for around 30 months, winning three successive UEFA Champions League titles in addition to one La Liga and other minor honours as well. But, just days have completing the hat-trick of titles in Europe, he announced his shock decision to leave his role as the manager.
Recent reports have suggested that Zidane could be primed for a role as an executive at Juventus. But, he could be set to return to management, if Manchester United have their way. The Red Devils are keeping their options open, just in case Mourinho decides to bring an early end to his stint at Old Trafford, with the former Real Madrid manager their priority.
Zidane has already shown that he can have an instant impact at a club with his first ever senior job with the Real Madrid first-team. His arrival, if and when it happens, will also likely bring back the fast-paced, attacking football that the Manchester United fans have been yearning for for a few years now.
For now, Mourinho remains the Manchester United boss. But, if the infamous “third season syndrome” does come into effect, Zidane could well be the man to replace the former Real Madrid manager at Old Trafford.
