Why Ronaldo wants Zidane as Man Utd manager

Tom Grant

Updated: 14 Nov 2021 12:30 CST
3 min read

Zidane continues to be asked who he would like to see leading the line in 2021/22 — © ProShots

Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has already won trophies with Zinedine Zidane when at Real Madrid.

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And it appears Zidane would be his preferred option should the United manager's position soon become available.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer continues to come under pressure after humbling home defeats to bitter rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.

United have three tricky away matches up next at Watford, Villareal and Chelsea. Defeat in any of them could bring the vultures back circling.

And amid reports that Zidane has already been approached to sound him out about his interest in taking the reigns at Old Trafford, Ronaldo has already given his seal of approval on the man he won three of his five Champions League with.

What did Ronaldo say about Zidane?

Speaking after Madrid beat Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final, Ronaldo said: The confidence that a player needs doesn't only come from himself but also from the players around him and the coach."

He helped me a lot. I already had a lot of respect for him but working with him made me admire him more

"He helped me a lot. I already had a lot of respect for him but working with him made me admire him more.

"That's because of what he's like as a person, how he talks, how he led the team and how he treated me."

Who will be next United manager?

Zidane isn't the only name in the frame should the United board opt to sack Solskjaer.

Reports this week that the Red Devils hierarchy has made Leicester City's Brendan Rodgers their number one target.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd v Man CIty, 2021-22 — © ProShots

That could be a controversial move given Rodgers time as Liverpool manager but he remains favourite with the bookmakers.

Zidane would be the bigger name and bring with him four Champions League triumphs on his CV.

And his experience managing players such as Ronaldo and Raphael Varane during his time at the Bernabeu might sway things in his favour should he want to set up home in England.