Live from sky sports, zidane speaks on his future with Manchester United as he advice club to appoint one former club manager as ten hag replacement. He said, “I honestly don’t get what the fans or the club expect anymore. Manchester United doesn’t need a ‘me’ or any other big-name manager after Ten Hag. What they need is someone who truly understands the culture of this club. I’d prefer one of them to take over. Sure, it might mean suffering for a season or two, but in the long run, you’ll see the rewards—winning silverware. Or you can bring in a big-name manager, win a few trophies early on, and then watch the struggle set in. That’s the Premier League for you—ask José Mourinho.” smirks.
In a revealing interview that has sent waves through the football world, French football icon Zinedine Zidane shared his perspective on Manchester United’s managerial situation. Speaking live on Sky Sports, Zidane didn’t shy away from addressing the ongoing discussions about Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford and the club’s trajectory. The former Real Madrid coach, known for his no-nonsense style and winning mentality, made headlines by suggesting two former Manchester United figures as potential successors to Ten Hag.
“I honestly don’t understand what the fans or the club expect anymore,” Zidane began, his tone expressing frustration and concern. “Manchester United doesn’t need another ‘me’ or any other high-profile manager after Ten Hag. What they need is someone who truly understands the club’s culture.”
Zidane, who has often been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the past, surprised many by ruling himself out of the running for the position, instead endorsing two familiar faces: Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Both men are former players and managers at the club, with Carrick having served as interim manager before Ten Hag’s appointment and Solskjaer holding a three-year tenure in charge.
“I’d rather see Michael Carrick or Ole Gunnar take over,” Zidane stated confidently. “Sure, it might involve some struggles for a season or two, but long-term, you’ll see success—winning trophies. Or, you could hire a big-name manager, win some trophies early, and then deal with the struggles later. That’s the Premier League for you—ask José Mourinho.” Zidane’s remark, delivered with a smirk, was a clear reference to Mourinho’s turbulent time as United’s manager.
Zidane’s comments have resonated deeply with Manchester United fans, many of whom are divided about the club’s current direction. While some remain hopeful that Ten Hag can turn things around, others have voiced concerns about the team’s lack of identity and consistency. For Zidane, the key to long-term success lies in appointing a manager who not only understands football at the highest level but also has a deep connection to the club’s history and values.
“Manchester United’s culture is unique, built on resilience, attacking football, and nurturing young talent,” Zidane continued. “You need a manager who lived that culture as a player, someone who knows what it means to wear the badge and fight for the club. Carrick and Ole understand what it takes; they’ve experienced the highs and lows with this club.”
The endorsement of Carrick and Solskjaer has brought a sense of nostalgia for those who have fond memories of Solskjaer’s tenure, during which the team displayed promising performances and winning streaks. Similarly, Carrick, who had a brief but positive stint as interim manager before Ten Hag, remains a respected figure among United supporters for his contributions on and off the pitch.
For Zidane, hiring a high-profile manager may bring short-term gains but often leads to instability in a league as competitive as the Premier League. “I’ve seen it with Mourinho, Guardiola, and even Klopp. They are all fantastic managers, but their success often depends on specific conditions and investments. At a club like United, you have to build from within, and that means trusting those who understand the club’s philosophy.”
Zidane’s decision to speak publicly on the matter could be seen as an attempt to influence the club’s leadership in making a thoughtful decision regarding Ten Hag’s future. While there’s no indication that a managerial change is imminent, Zidane’s comments have certainly fueled the ongoing debate.
Fan Reactions
Manchester United supporters have largely reacted positively to Zidane’s insights, with many agreeing with his understanding of the club’s traditions. Several fans took to social media to commend the Frenchman’s wisdom and to advocate for his involvement in a broader capacity, possibly even on the club’s board. “We need Zidane on United’s board,” one fan tweeted. “He understands what this club truly needs.”
As the discussion about Manchester United’s managerial future continues, one thing is clear: Zidane has added a fresh dimension to the conversation. Whether his recommendations will be considered remains to be seen, but the French legend has certainly made a compelling case for a return to United’s roots.
