Manchester United have made headway with Zinedine Zidane in replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but his wife Véronique Zidane is not ready to move to Manchester.
The former French international is the most preferred manager for the Red Devils. Insiders say he has softened his stance on joining United but he may not altogether because of his wife who is hellbent on staying back home.
Earlier, the former Real Madrid manager said he was not interested in taking up Manchester United managerial job. Spanish Paper Mundo Deportivo reported the Frenchman’s focus was on resting and recovering after leaving the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of last season.
Zinedine Zidane. Photo/Marca
From the minute he left Real Madrid on mutual consent, Zidane decided to take a break from international football. All he wanted was to recharge after a mentally and emotionally tough season.
But, this did not stop Old Trafford from pursuing him after dwindling performance by the Red Devils led by embattled Solskjaer. The Norwegian refused to throw in the towel despite risking the sack after Manchester United’s disastrous defeat to Liverpool in October.
Liverpool thrashed the Red Devils 5-0 at home marking one of the worst defeats in the club’s history.Mohamed Salah hit a hat-trick, while Naby Keita and Diogo Jota also found the net as Liverpool ran riot against Old Trafford. Incidentally, Paul Pogba was sent off.
This was the third-largest home defeat in the Premier League and dramatically increased Solskjaer’s sack pressure. Zinedine’s name came up and he enjoys the support of Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Varane who he worked with in Real Madrid.
In Ronaldo’s recommendation, reports El Chiringuito, he asked Manchester United’s board to consider Zidane.
Ronaldo worked closely with Zidane during his tenure at Real Madrid and won three Champions League titles.
In September, there were reports that Zidane was being considered as a replacement for PSG’s Mauricio Pochettino.
Zidane, going by reports, resisted this move by PSG citing that his priority is coaching France ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
But, PSG is adamant saying that they will allow him to take up the two roles together.
“He resists because he wants to coach France, but at PSG they reminded him that the next World Cup in Qatar is within the season and they would let him combine the two jobs.”
Old Trafford was also considering Antonio Conte but Tottenham came for him earlier. Conte who until his signing with Tottenham had no job was viewed as a good fit for the Red Devils.
Current Ajax Coach Erik Ten Hag is also among four managers United was considering. Hag remains an eye candy in Europe. His track record in the Netherlands speaks of a mind that could change Manchester United’s fortunes.
Zinedine Zidane Photo/David Aliaga/MB Media/Getty Images
Hag is envied for his outstanding attack tactics that would work well for Old Trafford. Further, his great friendship with Donny van de Beek would augur well for the team.
Lastly, Graham Potter, Brighton ex-manager is also on United’s radar. His work there is fascinating. While the fact that he never managed a big club like United may work against him, he still remains at the top for consideration.
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