BREAKING NEWS: 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.
BREAKING NEWS: Live from Sky Sports – Zidane Opens Up on Manchester United’s Managerial Situation, Advocates for Carrick or Solskjaer as Ten Hag’s Successor
In a candid interview that has taken the football world by storm, legendary French manager Zinedine Zidane has shared his thoughts on the future of Manchester United’s managerial situation. Speaking live on Sky Sports, Zidane didn’t hold back as he addressed the ongoing debates surrounding Erik ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford and the club’s path forward. The former Real Madrid manager, known for his straightforward approach and winning mentality, dropped a bombshell by recommending two former Manchester United figures as potential successors to Ten Hag.
“I honestly don’t get what the fans or the club expect anymore,” Zidane began, his tone reflecting both frustration and concern. “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.”
Zidane, who has been linked with a potential move to Old Trafford several times in the past, surprised many by ruling himself out of contention for the job and instead backing two familiar names: Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Both men are former players and managers at the club, with Carrick serving as a caretaker manager before Ten Hag’s appointment and Solskjaer having a three-year stint in charge.
“I’d prefer Michael Carrick or Ole Gunnar to take over,” Zidane said with conviction. “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.” Zidane smirked as he made the remark, clearly alluding to the former United manager’s tumultuous tenure at the club.
Zidane’s comments have resonated deeply with the United fanbase, which has been divided over the current direction of the club. While some fans are still hopeful that Ten Hag can turn things around, others have voiced concerns over the lack of identity and consistency in the team’s performances. 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 profound connection with the club’s history and values.
“Manchester United’s culture is unique, and it’s built on a foundation of resilience, attacking football, and nurturing young talent,” Zidane continued. “You need a manager who lived that culture as a player, who understands what it means to wear that shirt and fight for this badge. Carrick and Ole know what it takes; they’ve been through the ups and downs with this club.”
The endorsement of Carrick and Solskjaer comes as a breath of fresh air for those who had fond memories of Solskjaer’s tenure, where the team showed glimpses of progress and mounted impressive winning runs. Similarly, Carrick, who enjoyed a brief but positive spell as interim manager before Ten Hag’s appointment, has remained a respected figure among United supporters for his contributions on and off the pitch.
For Zidane, the big-name managerial route may offer short-term gains but often leads to a cycle of instability in a league as competitive as the Premier League. “I’ve seen it all, whether it’s Mourinho or Guardiola, or even Klopp. They are all great managers, but their success is often built on specific conditions and investments. At a club like United, it’s different—you need to build from within, and that means trusting people who understand the philosophy.”
His remarks sparked immediate reactions across social media and within the football punditry world. The consensus among many is that Zidane’s experience with Real Madrid gives him a unique perspective on managing big clubs with rich histories. However, others pointed out that appointing Carrick or Solskjaer could be seen as a step backwards given the demanding nature of modern football management.
Zidane’s decision to speak publicly on the matter could also be interpreted as a subtle way of putting pressure on the club’s hierarchy to make a thoughtful decision when considering Ten Hag’s future. Although there is no indication that a change in management is imminent, Zidane’s comments have certainly added fuel to the fire.
Fan Reactions
The response from Manchester United fans has largely been positive, with many expressing their agreement with Zidane’s take. Several supporters took to social media to praise the Frenchman’s understanding of the club’s traditions and to advocate for his involvement in a broader capacity, perhaps even on the club’s board. “We need to recruit Zidane into United’s board,” one fan tweeted. “He speaks with wisdom and understands what this club truly needs. 💯🙀🙀”
As the managerial debate continues, one thing is clear: Zidane’s voice has brought a new dimension to the conversation surrounding Manchester United’s future. Whether his recommendations will be taken into consideration remains to be seen, but the French legend has certainly made a compelling case for a return to United’s roots.
