Zinedine Zidane backed for Manchester United job by former Real Madrid teammate

It is shaping up to be a very busy summer at Manchester United and things could get even busier amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of manager Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman is expected to remain in charge of the club until at least the end of the season, though his position will likely come under review regardless of how United finish the campaign.

Ten Hag deserves sympathy for the extensive injury crisis he has faced during his second season at the club, though it has sometimes felt like a convenient excuse when some performance levels have been unacceptable.

The Ineos Group will continue to evaluate the situation in the coming weeks and just as important is whether or not Ten Hag feels he can continue in the role after the structural changes above him.

Another key question is whether there is actually anyone better suited to the role than him available this summer.

ManchesterWorld revealed earlier this month Graham Potter would be a leading contender to take the role at this early stage, while Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Tuchel also have admirers at Old Trafford.

A potential move for Zinedine Zidane seems unlikely despite the former Real Madrid manager’s excellent relationship with United chief Jean-Claude Blanc, however one of his former teammates thinks he could be the perfect fit.

Julio Baptista played alongside Zidane at Madrid and thinks he is destined to take charge of a top English club in the coming years.

“Zidane was the best player I have ever played with," he told Ladbrokes Fanzone. "Playing with him and sharing a dressing room with him was very special. He is one the best in the world”.

“I think he will be a Premier League manager someday. He is an incredible coach, with amazing experience having won the Champions League, so I can see that happening. I can see him going to Manchester United."