Manchester United plan to step up their pursuit of Zinedine Zidane amid inconsistent performances under current manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, The Times reports.
The Red Devils made a strong start to the Premier League campaign with 13 points from five games, but they have picked up just four points from the next six matches.
They have already slumped five points adrift of the top four while a title charge seems distant at the moment, with Chelsea nine points ahead of them at the top.
Solskjaer continues to remain the head coach, but he could be dismissed from his position if his current run of league form extends after the international break.
United are looking to persuade Zidane for the potential vacancy. The Frenchman has doubts whether it would be the right time to take charge of the Red Devils.
The club’s hierarchy are hoping to convince the former World Cup winner through Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo, who were with him at Real Madrid.
Our view:
Solskjaer is currently the subject of immense criticism from fans. It is widely acceptable, given the club have been in a horrific league run with four defeats in six games.
This has included embarrassing losses to Liverpool and Manchester City, where they were completely outplayed. Solskjaer’s job appears to be hanging in the balance.
The board are not planning to make a change at the moment. Solskjaer looks set to remain in the dugout when the Red Devils face Watford on the road next weekend.
Following that game, they have a testing challenge with a Champions League outing at Villarreal before facing in-form London trio Chelsea, Arsenal and Crystal Palace.
A defeat in the next four league games could raise serious question marks whether Solskjaer will remain at the helm. Zidane would be an ideal replacement for the Norwegian.
The 49-year-old has vast experience of managing world-class players at Real Madrid.
He is a proven winner, having guided Los Blancos to three Champions League titles and one La Liga crown.
At Madrid, he had a team that was readymade to compete for titles. United have a title-winning squad on paper, but things have gone pear-shaped for them in recent months.
Zidane could bring the winning mentality back into the squad, and he may need a full season to get the best out of them.
A top-four finish could be the priority this term.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
Read: Man Utd and Roma in talks over Diogo Dalot’s loan move to Serie A.
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