Following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag on Monday, Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has recommended that the club seriously consider Zinedine Zidane as a top candidate for the managerial role, despite United’s recent efforts to secure Ruben Amorim. Scholes’s suggestion of Zidane comes at a critical moment, as United’s leadership undergoes significant changes under the new football management of Ineos, which is now responsible for steering the direction of operations at Old Trafford.
The club is actively seeking a new head coach to lead United forward, aiming for a high-profile, permanent appointment. For the time being, former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is serving in an interim capacity. However, sources close to the club indicate that Van Nistelrooy’s commitment to taking on a permanent role remains uncertain, adding another layer of urgency to United’s search for a long-term solution.
In recent developments, United has reportedly reached a preliminary agreement with Sporting Lisbon for Amorim’s services. The 38-year-old Portuguese coach has built an impressive reputation in Europe, guiding Sporting to their first league title in nearly two decades. Amorim’s success has not gone unnoticed; in fact, he is rumored to be on Manchester City’s radar should Pep Guardiola decide to leave the Etihad. This level of interest speaks volumes about Amorim’s appeal as a young, innovative manager capable of rejuvenating top-tier teams.
However, Scholes has voiced concerns about Amorim’s potential fit at United. He sees the young manager as an “interesting option” but cautions that his relative inexperience in managing elite clubs could pose a risk. Scholes believes that United needs a proven figure at the helm—someone with the experience and credibility to handle the immense pressures associated with leading one of the world’s most prestigious clubs. He feels Zidane could be a better fit, citing the Frenchman’s illustrious track record at Real Madrid, where he won multiple Champions League titles and La Liga honors.
Zidane’s managerial pedigree is unparalleled, yet Scholes acknowledges a potential obstacle: Zidane’s limited English skills. The language barrier may complicate his ability to communicate effectively within the Premier League environment, which demands clear and immediate understanding. Despite this, Scholes feels that Zidane’s familiarity with managing high-profile players and winning major trophies could make him uniquely equipped to handle United’s expectations and resurrect the team’s standing in both domestic and European competitions.
Scholes also touched on other potential candidates, including Brentford manager Thomas Frank. Although Frank has enjoyed success with Brentford, Scholes emphasized that United requires a manager with proven experience at the top level, someone capable of commanding respect from a squad filled with world-class talent. “Zidane is someone who has succeeded at a top-level club and won significant honors, but whether he’s inclined to come to England is uncertain,” Scholes remarked. His comments reflect his belief that United’s next manager should not only be an accomplished tactician but also someone who understands the demands and legacy of managing at Old Trafford.
In Scholes’s view, bringing in Zidane would send a powerful message to both fans and players. He believes the club should focus on candidates who can deliver immediate impact and stability, helping United reclaim their place among Euro
pe’s elite.