Search icon

Football

14th Aug 2018

Zinedine Zidane “wants to succeed José Mourinho” at Manchester United

Zidane stepped down from his post as Real Madrid manager after winning three consecutive Champions League trophies in May, but has his eyes on a new job

Reuben Pinder

He might not have to wait very long

Zinedine Zidane stepped down from his position as Real Madrid manager after winning three consecuive Champions League titles back in May this year, feeling that there was no more he could do. The team had achieved everything it could, many of the players had hit their peak, and the time had come for Zidane to abdicate and allow his successor to guide Real Madrid through their transition period.

Zizou is now looking for a new job. According to Wednesday’s issue of L’Equipe, he is keen on a move to the Premier League and has his eyes on the Manchester United job.

The Frenchman has only ever coached at Real Madrid and despite winning three Champions League titles, he still has his critics. Those skeptical of his coaching ability point to the lack of an obvious ‘philosophy’. His teams are not married to one particular style of play, which is why the Real Madrid job fit him like a glove. He’s a man manager who knows how to handle egos in the dressing room and has an excellent record of making game changing substitutions.

José Mourinho has shown no inclination to quit his job as Manchester United boss thus far, but he is entering the infamous third season, when things tend to unravel under Mourinho’s management.

If United underachieve again this season, Zidane may not have to wait too long before he is able to sit on Mourinho’s throne.

It would be a signing typical of Ed Woodward too. United’s executive vice chairman has a history of signing big names without much consideration for how they might fit into the side or a larger project.

Zidane could be exactly what United need, though. The squad is filled to the brim with talent, it just needs the right man to bring it out. Going by his time at Madrid, they could do much worse than Zizou.