Zinedine Zidane has made his plan for Raphael Varane clear if he replaces Erik ten Hag at Man Utd

Zinedine Zidane has made his plan for Raphael Varane clear if he replaces Erik ten Hag at Man Utd

Zinedine Zidane has already made his plan for Raphael Varane clear if he replaces Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

Ten Hag is under growing pressure after United’s run of poor form, with their latest defeat coming in Wednesday’s 4-3 loss at FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

While some have been critical of the Dutchman’s decisions and team selections over recent weeks, there is also an acceptance amongst others that there are currently greater issues at Old Trafford.

Either way, if United do decide to part company with Ten Hag, Zidane has been named as the favourite to take over from him.

The Real Madrid and France legend has had two spells at the Bernabeu as a manager, but has been out of work since leaving the club for a second time in 2021.

One of his key players throughout both stints was Varane, who signed for Real from French side Lens in 2011.

He also had heavy interest from United, but revealed that the club’s decision to sign Phil Jones in his position played a key role in his decision to reject them and move to Madrid instead.

Speaking to RMC after the transfer was completed, Zidane added that he played an active role in the transfer: “The fact that he saw Jose Mourinho was very important. This is the most important because he is the coach who will lead the team.

“They met. And essentially that’s it. I have watched plenty of Varane and he is like [Laurent] Blanc – fast, intelligent, and he is a big player also.”

United expressed interest in Varane again when Mourinho took charge at Old Trafford, but the Frenchman opted to remain at the Bernabeu – citing Zidane’s presence as a significant factor.

Now, if the legendary midfielder moves to United, it is clear that Varane would be a key player for him.