Zinedine Zidane has been compiling a list of Manchester United transfer targets — if he lands the job.
The former Real Madrid boss has told friends he expects a call from Old Trafford chiefs if the crisis engulfing Jose Mourinho spirals out of control.
Despite Old Trafford executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward insisting that the club are still backing under-fire Mourinho, Zidane has been placed on standby if there is a change of heart.
It’s why he has been compiling a short-list of players he would like to bring to Old Trafford to help him turn around the club’s fortunes.
Players on Zidane’s list include Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos, Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara, James Rodriguez – currently on loan at Bayern from Real Madrid – and Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani.
Zidane has a burning ambition to manage in the Premier League and a club like United would complete the dream.
The Reds' top brass are aware the French legend, who quit the Bernabeu in the summer after delivering three consecutive Champions League Final triumphs, won’t be a free agent for ever.
Zidane’s name has been the subject of much gossip among the players at their Carrington training ground, where the atmosphere under Mourinho is said to be strained.
The Portuguese knows he can’t afford many more damaging defeats while progress from a Champions League group containing Juventus and Valencia is expected as routine.
Any further slip-ups and Zidane is waiting in the wings — and determined to hit the ground running.
MarcoMarin7777
142
This article, though detailed and short entices me I must confess as I read through it. I wish it was true and not rumor just like the speculation surrounding the successor of Sir Alex Ferguson when Mourinho was touted to take over the mantle after his Real Madrid job. It never materialized instead Moyes was give the job. If Zidane desires to manage in the EPL, then Manchester United is the right place to achieve that feat. The United fans all over the world will welcome him with open arms as, his arrival will be well timed to challenge the dominance of Guardiola and the soul of the city of Manchester. PSG, Bayern, Barcelona, Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal are all with new mangers. But my worry is that Juventus job is the only job that will stand in our way as this was his former club which I think he will also like to coach just like Real Madrid. The current manage of the Turin club might be replaced with him if he fails or succeeded in landing the UCL this season in Turin. With already made structure in the Old Lady's outfit and CR7, his former player now there. Only time will tell.
Nonshell74
126
Mourinho is not the problem but some of is players and one of them is Pogba because he is feeling too big and the best among is team members which is not,if he wants to leave he can as well do so but at one cost any team that is coming for him should be ready to pay .Pogba lack respect for the club and fans,teammates and Mourinho.
CFC_King
83
I feel Mourihno should been given more time at United since the era of Ferguson he has been the closest they have had...He came in and have been trying to clean up the mess of Moyes and Van Gaal, probably in another few seasons he will get it right because his record are there for everyone to see. The fans should be careful for what they wish for, just because Zidane did it in Madrid doesn't mean he will come and turn United around overnight.
Tokbclmty
81
please Jose mourinho should be sacked as man united manager and Zidane should take over as new manager. finishing top four will be a problem if mourinho should continue. he is not a good coach always having problems with his players he did the same in other club's Gu to eg Chelsea interzonale realmadrid to mentioned but few
nidilmtz
72
I don't understand why team owners don't learn from Barcelona in terms of consistency. Barcelona has a habit of hiring former players ONLY and in terms of playing their particular style of football they have achieved that time and again. Even when results do not go their way their football is a marvel to watch. Plz Manchester United after all this trials, all we need at Manchester United is Giggs and probably Carrick. Our attacking football will be back because Giggs understands the club philosophy. I never wanted Mourinho at United and now this Zidane thing is sickening!
Stanstanfords7
69
the list of names are tempting but maurinho is still far better than zidane... 3championships under a team that could've won it even without a coach and bringing back a team to 2nd position that struggled to even finish top six in recent seasons after sir Alex is great coaching. Maurinho is a great coach if motivated and not always intimidated. only if mau can buy kroos8 and james10 that's all United needs right now
Humble_sea1
68
Mou thoughts
Dialor
68
Man u should get mou the players he ask for and watch the result.. Every team don't play man city style of game which fail them at champion league.. Or Liverpool who didn't pick a plastic cup for years.. Zidane re spend there money and take them backwards without results
whykallar
68
This has just shown that Zidine will be a complete failure, with these kind of players he want to bring to the team, i see no differences between he and Jose, if i look at his choices of players, I'm only sorry for Man U because, the money they were afraid to spend in bringing defenders to the club for success, it's now they are going to triple spend it 😀😀😀😀😀
Sedabcdl
67
If it is true that James Rodriguez is on his list, why couldn't he use the poor child while at Real Madrid? He sent the boy on loan because the guy was not the kind he wanted. So is this the kind of trick most of the coaches use in getting players to the team that they envisage going to. Manchester United present coach did same thing to Romalu Lukaku when he was at Chelsea. Well, this is human nature.
Kartik-thereds
50
Its pity how Jose was welcome with open arms by Man Utd fans and suddenly this season he has bcm their public enemy no 1. Jose is a serial winner and noes how to win games dirty all he require is players and fans to back him up!!! Indeed Brigton lose was a disaster but it is still early days and things can change pretty soon. On the other hand, Zidane is out and out winner cuz of his Champions Leauge record and just cuz he is available right now doesnt mean Man Utd should not back Jose to turn their fortunes and beg Woodward to replace him with Zidane. I do get a feeling Zidane wants Juventus or PSG job!!! Lets wait and watch what happens in next few months.
racaity
45
A player can be very good and very bad under same manager... it is the manager how he controls the players, how he motivates the player, how he manages the player and how he circulates the right attitudes among the players and team mates....and that affects the playing styles and mentalities of the players and ultimately performance of the individuals and the team as a whole...
mesanoru
43
Zidane is a good coach no doubt but we'd have to give him time to settle down. That means a season or two. Man Utd doesnt havr that time. we've changed four coaches in about three years. Mourinho's style isn't the United way but his pragmatic approach will deliver us trophies eventually if the board back him eventually. I'd say we stick with Mourinho, let him win us a few titles and when he goes, he usually leaves behind a very strong set of players who know how to continue delivering the titles. Another coach can come in and tinker with the style that appeals to the United way.
shah2468
43
Upmost respect for zin zinner as a player🙏🏽 not sure he is a strong enough manager to take on united though. My reason being is he seems to be a great cup winner but his league exploits in Spain were pretty poor considering there are only two teams to beat, he’s gonna have six to eight teams in the premier league!