Man Utd next manager: Zidane favourite to replace Ten Hag after he makes feelings clear on Man united job

Man Utd next manager: Zidane favourite to replace Ten Hag after he makes feelings clear on Man united job

Zinedine Zidane is favourite to become the next Manchester United manager if the Old Trafford club sack Erik ten Hag in the wake of their disappointing start to the season.

Ten Hag had an impressive first campaign at the club, leading United to Carabao Cup glory as well as the FA Cup final and qualification for the Champions League.

However, United have struggled so far this season and sit eighth in the Premier League table, while also having been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle in embarrassing fashion and facing a tough task to qualify from their Champions League group.

Indeed, their European challenge took a major blow as they lost 4-3 away to Copenhagen, throwing away a 2-0 first-half lead and conceding twice in the last 10 minutes.

The controversy surrounding Ten Hag and Jadon Sancho has only added to the tension, with the £73 million signing exiled from the first team squad due to a public falling-out with the Dutchman, while the form of stars such as Antony, Marcus Rashford and Casemiro has led to immense pressure on the manager.

United have reportedly started considering alternatives to Ten Hag, although they are believed to remain committed to their manager in the hopes results improve while the club resolves its ownership issues off the pitch.

Zidane leads the way despite unrealistic prospect
Ten Hag is now the likeliest Premier League manager to be sacked next, according to the bookies, with a best price of 6/4 available on the outcome. Paul Heckingbottom has drifted to 5/2, with the Sheffield United boss previously having been an odds-on favourite.

Should Ten Hag be sacked, Zinedine Zidane is considered the frontrunner to replace him at 4/1, despite previously suggesting he would be reluctant to take a job in England due to his limited grasp of the English language.

Zinedine Zidane has so far resisted any temptation to return to management after leaving Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane has so far resisted any temptation to return to management after leaving Real Madrid
Graham Potter, out of work since being sacked by Chelsea earlier this year, has odds of 6/1 and has moved to become second favourite, while his replacement at Brighton, Roberto De Zerbi, is also a frontrunner at 10/1.

Also available at 10/1 is Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim.

Former United midfielder Michael Carrick leads the outsiders with odds of 14/1, with former Chelsea and Tottenham boss Antonio Conte shortening to 12/1.

Kieran McKenna, who was a long-time coach at United before leaving for Ipswich town, where he has impressed as they sit in the Championship promotion places, is an option at 20/1