Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha believes Zinedine Zidane is the ideal candidate to turn around the club’s fortunes. Despite respecting the current manager Erik ten Hag, Saha thinks Zidane’s high standards could significantly boost the team’s mentality.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, co-owner of Manchester United, is uncertain about Ten Hag’s future following a season in which the club won the FA Cup but finished ninth in the Premier League, their lowest position ever. In an interview with OLBG, reported by the Mirror, Saha voiced his support for his fellow Frenchman Zidane. He stated, “Zidane is the manager I would like to see at Manchester United for obvious reasons; he would do well, and he’s motivated to return to football. I believe it will be hard for him to stay out for another year.”
Saha noted that United’s current strategy differs significantly from what Zidane might implement. He criticized the inconsistency and lack of high standards among too many United players, emphasizing the need for a squad of players obsessed with getting back to the top to achieve success. While Saha acknowledges Ten Hag’s efforts at Old Trafford, he believes Zidane would represent a significant improvement.
Zidane, the former Real Madrid manager, boasts an impressive record, having won two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions League trophies with the Spanish club. He has been out of work since 2021. Saha, who played alongside Zidane when France finished second in the 2006 World Cup, described Zidane as a “very diligent worker” who “never asked his management for anything.”
Manchester United have recently made significant changes to their boardroom team to address long-standing issues, but recruitment remains a significant concern. Brazilian winger Antony, who cost £80 million from Ajax, has struggled to justify the investment, and there are worries about the large contracts given to veterans like Casemiro and Raphael Varane.
Saha believes Zidane’s ability to inspire a change in mindset, as demonstrated during his time with Real Madrid, could be transformative for United. However, he acknowledges that Zidane would face challenges with the current transfer strategy if he were to take over at Old Trafford. Despite these potential difficulties, Saha is confident that Zidane’s demand for maximum effort from his players could lead to greater success.
Saha’s endorsement of Zidane highlights the former player’s belief in Zidane’s managerial capabilities and his potential to bring about a positive change at Manchester United. According to Saha, Zidane’s experience, high standards, and motivational skills could be the key to revitalizing a team that has struggled with inconsistency and underperformance in recent seasons.
