Manchester United: Pochettino chase could lead Zidane to PSG

Manchester United’s decision to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could lead to a managerial domino effect involving Zinedine Zidane and Mauricio Pochettino. According to various reports, Pochettino is considering leaving PSG at the earliest available opportunity to take over at Old Trafford, where he was to of the list when Solskjaer was appointed three years ago but unwilling to leave Tottenham Hotspur. The Argentinean has never seemed entirely convinced by his decision to take over at the Parc des Princes and is open to a return to the Premier League, according to the BBC, a turn of events that could move former Real Madrid boss Zidane a step closer to one of his goals.

The Frenchman has reportedly been sounded out by Manchester United but has shown little interest in taking over at Old Trafford because he and his wife are not keen on moving to the UK. Zidane has two priorities on his mind: either the PSG job or the France national team, which depends on whether Didier Deschamps decides to call it a day after a decade in charge of Les Bleus following the 2022 World Cup. United’s pursuit of Pochettino has suddenly opened the door for Zidane: if the Parc des Princes board are assured of the Frenchman’s commitment, they may well allow Pochettino to move to United.

Despite Zidane being a staunch Marseilles supporter, the prospect of coaching Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé and company may prove irresistible, and there is also the presence of his former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos to consider. Zidane’s career has been characterized by excellent man-management in the dressing room and his record of three consecutive Champions League titles has made him the first name on any club owner’s list when a new manager is required. While nothing has been said officially on the matter, rumours of an arrangement that seems to suit all parties have been gathering pace in France.

Pochettino seeking PSG exit

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Pochettino was close to leaving PSG last May and his relationship with sporting director Leonardo has never been the easiest. Behind the scenes, Leonardo was only too happy to sound out a few possible replacements when the Argentinean’s future was in the air. Pochettino has faced plenty of criticism for his methods and failure to impose a style on PSG and is said to be disillusioned with life in Paris. Part of his family remain in England and he is still staying in a hotel amid speculation that he has been angling for a return to Tottenham or holding out for the Real Madrid job.