Manchester United: Zinedine Zidane on INEOS and Ratcliffe’s radar

The ideal head coach for new Manchester United owners, INEOS, is Zinedine Zidane, according to Foot Mercato in France. Current United boss Erik ten Hag is under pressure this season, as his side have experienced several slip-ups throughout the campaign.

British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe has started the restructuring process at Old Trafford, following his and INEOS’ 25 percent takeover of United. INEOS director of sport Dave Brailsford will also be key in hiring the best candidates as the group looks to make the club a force again.

Dan Ashworth has been identified as the number one candidate for the sporting director role, a position he currently holds with Newcastle United. The St James’ Park outfit recently announced that Ashworth has been put on gardening leave while negotiations take place over his proposed move to Manchester.

Zidane, a winner

INEOS director Jean-Claude Blanc is believed to be an admirer of Zidane and previously tried to appoint the France legend when he worked at Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Zidane - a three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid - has not worked as a head coach since 2021, and has been previously linked with the France job. Whether Zidane would accept the job remains to be seen, as Old Trafford has become something of a graveyard for players and managers alike in recent years.

Manchester United face fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in the FA Cup on Wednesday. A defeat would be a major blow for both Ten Hag and his squad following Saturday’s home defeat to Fulham.