WAITING IN THE WINGS
Zidane ‘top of United managerial wishlist’ if Mourinho leaves
MANCHESTER United have put Zinedine Zidane “at the top of their managerial wishlist” should Jose Mourinho leave the club in the coming months.
Zidane ended his time at Real Madrid days after securing a third straight Champions League triumph, and is currently out of work heading into the new season.
As revealed this week, Mourinho’s black mood is bringing down his players and unsettling staff on a troubled tour of the US — and he has moved into the bookies’ favourite to be the first Premier League manager to leave his position.
According to a report in The Sun, should Mourinho leave, United want to bring in Zidane to replace him — and he wouldn’t cost them a penny in compensation.
The fact he is currently out of work is a huge boost for the Old Trafford hierarchy, who would be able to skip club negotiations and go straight to the Frenchman.
Mourinho has raised fears that he will not see out his contract at United following a disastrous pre-season tour, in which he has produced a number of astonishing outbursts.
It is understood that his comments about wanting Anthony Martial back in America following the birth of his baby boy caused particular concern among club officials.
“He has the baby and after the baby is born — beautiful baby, full of health, thank God — he should be here and he is not here,” Mourinho said.