Man Utd ‘call Zinedine Zidane about job upon Cristiano Ronaldo recommendation’

Solskjaer takes responsibility for Maguire selection in defeat

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Manchester United called Zinedine Zidane during the international break to sound out his availability upon the recommendation of Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports in Spain. The Red Devils are now at risk of being left behind in the Premier League title race after their 4-2 defeat at Leicester on Saturday and the pressure is now mounting on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The team appears to have regressed despite the statement captures of Ronaldo, Raphael Varane and Jadon Sancho and the buck will rest with Solskjaer if he fails to deliver trophies this season.

United supporters have already grown tired of Solskjaer’s lack of tactical adaptability and the Norwegian has struggled to find his best XI, resulting in constant tinkering in attack.

If results do not improve fast, Solskjaer could find himself at risk of the sack, although the board are reluctant to pull the trigger.

It’s understood Solskjaer’s job is safe for now but media speculation regarding his future is beginning to intensify.

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According to Spanish journalist Eduardo Inda, United have already reached out to Zidane to discuss potentially replacing Solskjaer.

He told El Chiringuito TV last night: “Zidane can have the teams he wants. It is an option that has occurred in the national team stoppage.”

If Inda is to be believed, it was Ronaldo himself who recommended his former manager to the board.

“I already said that PSG had approached him, they have always wanted him,” Inda added.

“Newcastle also wanted him, but in the national team break, he had a call from Manchester United to replace Solskjaer.

“The person who would sponsor him and who has recommended him to the board is Cristiano Ronaldo.”

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Zidane is said to have rejected United, telling them that he is holding out for the France job.

However, Didier Deschamps is expected to be in charge for Qatar 2022, meaning Zizou could still have a long wait on his hands.

If that is the case, United could look to tempt Zidane with a big contract as Inda added: “At United he would be the highest-paid coach along with [Diego] Simeone.”

Zidane won three successive Champions League titles and two La Ligas during his two stints in charge of Real Madrid and both Ronaldo and Varane were integral figures under his leadership.

Therefore, the 49-year-old could be the perfect appointment to help United get the best from their two new signings as they desperately look to strike the right balance amid claims they are a team of individuals.

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Manchester United legend Gary Neville conceded that Solskjaer is under “massive pressure” last night on Monday Night Football but explained exactly why he will not call for his former team-mate to be dismissed amid claims he is protecting the current boss.

“He should be under massive pressure with the squad that’s been assembled and the fact he’s been in the job two-and-a-half, nearly three years,” said the former defender

“But the club are not going to change him and the club are going to stick with him until the end of the season.

“I’ve got Manchester United fans on my social media timeline all the time saying, ‘Gary, he’s your mate, you won’t call him out’.

“No I won’t, no I won’t and I won’t call Steve Kean out or Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

“I’m not going to come on this show 11 years later and ask for a manager to be sacked, it’s never gonna happen.

“He’s a club legend, he’s my team-mate, I actually like him a lot and Manchester United have failed with two previous managers who have been world-class.”

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