Amidst Manchester United’s underwhelming season, manager Erik ten Hag faces growing pressure to turn things around. The team’s lackluster performances have resulted in their virtual elimination from the race for a top-four finish, an early exit from the Carabao Cup, and a disappointing last-place finish in their Champions League group. Despite Ten Hag’s significant transfer market spending since joining the club in 2022, improvements have been elusive.
British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently acquired a minority stake in Manchester United, is keen on restoring the club to its former glory and is actively seeking a potential replacement for Ten Hag. Among the candidates on Ratcliffe’s shortlist, Zinedine Zidane stands out as a leading contender. The Frenchman’s impressive managerial record includes guiding Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles. Former United star Louis Saha has publicly endorsed Zidane’s candidacy, highlighting his ability to inspire players and his exceptional achievements.
However, Ratcliffe’s search for a successor to Ten Hag has encountered some setbacks, with Ruben Amorim, Ange Postecoglou, and Julian Nagelsmann all ruled out as potential options. Despite the challenges, Saha believes Ten Hag still has an opportunity to save his job by securing victory in the FA Cup final against fierce rivals Manchester City next month. A triumph in the FA Cup would present a significant challenge for the board to dismiss Ten Hag, offering him a lifeline.
