As talk hots up that Zinedine Zidane has been approached over replacing Jose Mourinho as manager of Manchester United, we thought we’d take a look at the players who’ve been linked as transfer targets for the Frenchman so far.
Speculation has been going on for some time now that Zidane could make his way to United after leaving Real Madrid in the summer, and after a dreadful start to the 2018/19 campaign under Mourinho.
MORE: Manchester United officials respond to reports of initiating contact with Zinedine Zidane
After a 3-1 defeat at West Ham on Saturday, it’s little surprise to see the Zidane rumours and Mourinho sack talk coming up again, with various stories doing the rounds in the last few hours.
First up, beIN Sports claimed United had made initial contact with the former Real Madrid boss about taking the job at Old Trafford, and tomorrow’s Mail back page claims MUFC players and staff believe Mourinho could be gone by the end of the week.
https://twitter.com/utdxtra/status/1046036202959384577
So, if the change does happen, who could Zidane try to bring in for the Red Devils, who clearly need some work doing in the transfer market, as well as in the dugout.
Here’s a look at ten players who’ve been linked as potential targets for the 46-year-old in recent weeks, and while we obviously don’t expect all of them to come in, it does perhaps give some idea of what the new man in charge might be looking for for when he lands the job.
From his old club Real Madrid…
First up, a recent report from Don Balon mentioned interest from Zidane in raiding his old club Real Madrid for Raphael Varane and Karim Benzema.
We’re not sure the Benzema link makes much sense given the Frenchman’s age and poor recent scoring record, though he was something of a key figure for his work rate up front and unselfish play during Zidane’s time at the Bernabeu.
Varane, of course, is one of the best centre-backs in the world and a clear upgrade on what United currently have in that position.
As well as that, the Daily Mirror have previously claimed Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos could also be a target.
The Germany international’s fine range of passing and experience of winning surely mean he’d be ideal to come in as an upgrade on struggling, unconvincing performers like Paul Pogba and Marouane Fellaini.
Double Chelsea transfer raid?
This would be quite something – Don Balon have previously stated Zidane would want two of Chelsea’s star players in Eden Hazard and N’Golo Kante.
The Belgium international is in great form right now and seems ideal to come in and replace the horribly off-form Alexis Sanchez.
Zidane is a known fan of Hazard, having been quoted by Sky Sports as calling him his favourite player after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo a couple of years back.
And the feeling is mutual, with Hazard quoted by the Telegraph as waxing lyrical about a man he considers an idol.
Kante, meanwhile, is also one of the very best midfield players in the world and ideal as an upgrade on the likes of Nemanja Matic, Fred and Ander Herrera at Old Trafford.
Bayern Munich duo…
In that Mirror piece previously mentioned, Zidane has also been linked as an admirer of two players currently on the books at Bayern Munich.
One of those is technically a Real Madrid player, James Rodriguez, who is on loan at the Allianz Arena after struggling for regular playing time during Zidane’s stint in charge of Real.
It remains to be seen if the Colombia international would be keen on a reunion, but he would likely see more action for the Red Devils, as another player who could be an ideal upgrade on Sanchez, Anthony Martial, Juan Mata and others.
Failing that, that report also links Thiago Alcantara as an option. Like Kroos, he’d fill that Michael Carrick role perfectly and seems just what the club needs in that area.
PSG front-men…
That Mirror piece also mentions surprise interest in PSG striker Edinson Cavani, who is admittedly prolific but probably not enough of an upgrade on Romelu Lukaku to justify it.
More ambitiously, Diario Gol claim Zidane has also asked United for the signing of Neymar from the Ligue 1 giants.
The Brazil international has been linked with a move away from the Parc des Princes almost as soon as he joined, so who knows, perhaps he is keen to leave and rejoin a more established European superpower.
And it’s not like United can’t afford it…
And Antoine Griezmann…
Finally, CaughtOffside have previously been told of Zidane discussing the possibility of signing Antoine Griezmann in a direct approach to the Atletico Madrid forward.
The France international is another world class attacking player who could come in and displace struggling performers like Sanchez, Martial and Marcus Rashford.
A World Cup winner and known friend of Paul Pogba, this move seems ideal, though it’s worth noting Griezmann only recently signed a new contract to commit his future to Atletico.
Interesting times ahead at United…