Zinedine Zidane to Old Trafford

It remains an undeniable truth that Manchester United are gradually losing their reputation as one of the fearsome clubs in England and even around the world.

The Old Trafford club have continued to pay the price of post Sir Alex Ferguson era as they have continually struggled to play catch-up with other premium clubs despite their huge budget down the transfer windows.

United have yet again continued to endure another difficult start to the season where only four points have been picked up from the last 18 available points by the club in their last six Premier League games.

Many have thought that the Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will help steady the struggles at Old Trafford in their bid to return to their glory days especially as the 48-year-old had seen it all under Ferguson, but the Norwegian no doubt seems to lack the qualities to achieve that, thus prompting many to question his continuous stay at United.

Meanwhile, National Daily understands that United’s board are still believed to be backing the under pressure Norwegian, but have however drawn up a wishlist of potential replacements in case their need to pull the plug on Solskjaer reign arises.

And if there is a likely moment to curb the Norwegian’s stay as boss at Old Trafford, then it could happen soon considering United’s crunch run of games at the return of European club football after the international break.

And there is no doubt that Solskjaer’s decisive games include the Red Devils trips to Estadio de la Cerámica (to face Villarreal in the Champions League), Stamford Bridge (to face Chelsea in the Premier League) and visit by Arsenal who is currently enjoying obvious resurgence come December.

Initial National Daily findings had revealed that three main names had previously emerged in the frame to replace Solskjaer should their form not improve: France legend Zinedine Zidane, Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers and Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag.

The former Real Madrid boss Zidane however appears by far to be the most attainable of the trio, given that he is currently out of job, despite reportedly being previously reluctant to take over at Old Trafford.

And now National Daily gathered from the claim by the Daily Record that United intermediaries have made progress in their attempts to persuade the former France international to replace Solskjaer.

It is meanwhile believed that Zidane is increasingly ‘attracted’ to the prospect of taking over the reins, particularly with the squad boasting two of his old Madrid charges in Cristiano Ronaldo and Raphael Varane as well as a player he has long coveted: compatriot Paul Pogba.

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United are hopeful the strength of their squad – and the presence of two of his Madrid generals – will overcome any reservations Zidane has, which includes his limited grasp of English.

Meanwhile, there is a likely obstacle in the midst of United dreams namely, Veronique’s (Zidane’s wife) who appeared not to be attracted by life at Manchester and would rather prefer that her husband takes a longer break before returning to football which could also slip into Zidane’s aspiration of taking over as France national team boss after Didier Deschamps.