"I think Zinedine Zidane would be ‘dream’ next Manchester United manager - here's why"

Louis Saha has backed Zinedine Zidane to become the next manager of Manchester United.

United are yet to make a decision on the future of Erik ten Hag has the continue to conduct their end-of-season review following a mixed campaign in which they won the FA Cup but recorded their lowest ever Premier League finish and crashed out of the Champions League at the group stage.

Ten Hag had to contend with a nightmare injury situation over the course of the season, which while sometimes was too convenient of an excuse, it certainly had a detrimental impact on their playing style and results.

Saha would love it to work out for the Dutchman at Old Trafford, but admits he would like Zidane to replace him if indeed they decide to make a change in the coming weeks. Zidane has been out of work for three years ever since he left Real Madrid for the second time, but that doesn't put Saha off him getting the United job.

"Zinedine Zidane has the character and charisma to manage Manchester United," he told OLBG. "What he represents for football, for footballers. I'm sure that if he goes to any club, he would have the same impact. But obviously, I need to see this impact at Manchester United. I hope that can be Erik ten Hag, who brings major trophies back to United, but that’s not what I see at the moment.

"Zidane is the manager I would dream to have at Manchester United for obvious reasons, he would do well and he’s motivated to come back into football and I think it will be difficult for him to stay out for another year.

"So let's see what happens, but his impact at United would be huge because a lot of players would see him as an inspiration, a motivation to excel and not just accept the standard they are currently at. They seem to have an approach that just isn’t like something Zidane would have. Too many players at United tend to drop their level and fail to have consistency when you need to have 10 players obsessed about getting them back to the very top to be successful.

"Some days it can be down to personal drama but United need to figure out a way to get their players to represent the club. Look at Zidane, he was the most talented player in the world for 10 years but was a really hard worker and never complained.

"He never asked his managers for anything. He was one of the best professionals in the world and had so much passion. Having all that potential and technique, fans might not know how hard he worked but he dedicated his life to football. His charisma and what he represents as a player and now a manager, I think he would be a step-up."