Newspapers and websites in England and Spain on Friday morning were awash with reports of Zinedine Zidane succeeding Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford. The former Real Madrid manager had reportedly said he “expects” to follow Mourinho in the Manchester United hot seat. With Manchester United set to play their third game of the Premier League season, questions are now swirling over Mourinho’s future once more.
Is former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane set to take over Manchester United?
It is no secret that Mourinho is at odds with Manchester United’s hierarchy. The Portuguese manager has been critical of the club’s pursuit of transfer targets over the summer. He even claimed his list of targets weren’t pursued by the club.
Manchester United parted ways with their head of recruitment Javier Ribalta during the offseason. Ribalta had lined up the club’s moves for Fred and Diogo Dalot. However, it seemed Ribalta had little power at the club in bringing in recruits. Whether he was forced out by Mourinho or left due to a lack of player recruitment by the club is currently unknown.
Leading sportsbooks have listed Mourinho as the first manager to be sacked this season. Meanwhile, the same sportsbooks have listed former Real Madrid manager Zidane as the leading man to take over at Old Trafford.
It isn’t just sportsbooks who believe Zidane is destined to manage the Red Devils. According to the Daily Mail, Zidane spoke to friends recently and told them he believes he will be the next manager of Manchester United.
According to reports, Manchester United are putting together a contingency plan in case Mourinho walks away or the club are forced to sack him. However, Zidane has previously stated he doesn’t want to manage this season.
Manchester United’s manager continues to have frayed relations with star midfielder Paul Pogba. The midfielder has reportedly held secret meetings with Barcelona about a transfer. Although the Premier League buying window is closed, clubs can still sell players. La Liga clubs are able to purchase new talent up until August 31.
Mourinho will oversee Manchester United on Sunday against Tottenham. The match is a massive early-season clash between two sides with title aspirations. Manchester United suffered a shock away 3-2 loss the Brighton last weekend.
Is former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane destined to coach Manchester United?