Louis Saha, a former Manchester United striker, has suggested Zinedine Zidane as a potential solution to the club’s ongoing challenges, while also acknowledging the efforts of current manager Erik ten Hag. Despite Ten Hag leading United to an FA Cup triumph, the team’s ninth-place finish in the Premier League—their lowest ever—has raised questions about his tenure, particularly under the scrutiny of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
In an interview with OLBG, as reported by the Mirror, Saha expressed his admiration for Zidane and his managerial prowess, suggesting that the Frenchman’s return to football seems imminent given his motivation and desire to be back in the game. Saha highlighted Zidane’s impressive credentials, having secured two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions League trophies during his tenure at Real Madrid.
Drawing on his personal experience playing alongside Zidane for France and in the Champions League, Saha described him as a dedicated professional who never shied away from hard work or challenges. He emphasized Zidane’s potential to uplift the morale and performance standards at Manchester United, where many players currently struggle with inconsistency and underperformance.
While supportive of Ten Hag’s efforts, Saha believes that Zidane could bring a different level of excellence to Old Trafford, citing his ability to demand maximum commitment and effort from his squad—a trait that proved instrumental in Zidane’s success at Real Madrid. However, Saha also acknowledged the challenges Zidane might face, particularly concerning United’s transfer strategy and ongoing recruitment concerns.
Recent changes in United’s boardroom have attempted to address long-standing issues, but the effectiveness of these measures remains uncertain, especially with high-profile signings like Casemiro, Raphael Varane, and Antony, the latter of whom has yet to justify his £80 million price tag since arriving from Ajax.
Despite these obstacles, Saha remains optimistic about Zidane’s potential impact, believing that his influence could spark a positive transformation within the team. He stressed the importance of Zidane’s managerial philosophy, which centers on instilling a winning mentality and fostering a cohesive team spirit—a formula that could potentially revive United’s fortunes in both domestic and European competitions.