We would like to play with Zidane – Man United players have already made feelings on Zinedine Zidane clear as pressure increases on Erik ten Hag

We would like to play with Zidane – Man United players have already made feelings on Zinedine Zidane clear as pressure increases on Erik ten Hag

Manchester United players have already made feelings on Zinedine Zidane clear as pressure increases on Erik ten Hag
Zinedine Zidane has been linked with the Manchester United job amid uncertainty surrounding Erik ten Hag’s long-term future at the club.

Ten Hag has been under intense scrutiny following a dismal start to the season. Indeed, The Times claimed last week the 53-year-old was on ‘thin ice’ at United.

Having made their worst start to a season in 61 years, a number of names have been earmarked as potential replacements, including highly-rated Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim and former Real Madrid manager Zidane.

And several members of the United squad have been vocal of Zidane’s influence in the past.

Indeed, Casemiro, whom Zidane managed across his two spells as Real boss, told the Guardian in 2020: “Even today I get a little nervous talking to him. I tell him he doesn’t know what he meant for us, for me.

“Yeah, I tell him that: you took ‘98 away but it didn’t change anything. Also, knowing him now, I can say he deserves it. He’s incredible: the humility, how he expresses football. He treats us with so much affection and love.

“He’s very insistent; he always, always says: ‘Case, you can do more: arrive from the second line, feed midfielders, bring the ball out cleanly.’

This year, maybe I’ve had more protagonism with the ball, but I still know my job: rob the ball, give it to my teammates.

“But Zizou is pesado, heavy going: always talking to me, wanting more. He says: ‘I’m not asking you to do something you can’t do; I’m asking you to do something you can.’