Pochettino and Zidane among top targets to replace Solskjaer at Manchester United

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has received plenty of criticism over the last few months, with underwhelming performances the route of fan frustration, and the club now appear to have highlighted Zinedine Zidane and Mauricio Pochettino as potential replacements.

Whoever is to replace Solskjaer will have quite the task in getting the current group of players to play to their ability after recent defeats to Liverpool (5-0) and Manchester City (2-0) have shone light on how far off a title they are.

Since these losses many critics have voiced their opinion on time running out for Solskjaer at Manchester United, leading to speculation regarding his potential replacement.

Zidane to Manchester United?

The first name on the list, according to the Sunday Times, is Zinedine Zidane, despite the fact that his English level has never been truly tested. After achieving plenty of success with Real Madrid, he would be a very welcome appointment. His success with Cristiano Ronaldo in Madrid has been another reason behind the links.

Should Zidane takeover from the Norwegian manager, there will be expectation for him to deliver immediately and turn around the current sentiment had by fans and players towards the current managerial setup.

Known for his glistening first spell at Real Madrid, Zidane would have serious talent to call upon from the off at Old Trafford. Aside from Cristiano Ronaldo, another former player of his in Raphael Varane made the summer switch to Manchester United. Add these two to the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Edinson Cavani, Jadon Sancho and Paul Pogba and the possibilities seem endless.

Could Pochettino return to England?

Another name being linked as Solskjaer's successor is Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine has had a decent tenure thus far at the Parc des Princes, providing solid performances in Europe with his star-studded side, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar all featuring.

Pochettino earned many admirers at Espanyol before he was dismissed in 2012. Then, he made the switch to England with Southampton and became one of the most discussed coaches in the game, before moving to Tottenham Hotspur and reaching the Champions League final in 2019 with them. Manchester United fans will be more than familiar with the success he can have in the Premier League.

Of course, the hesitancy around Pochettino for Manchester United would be having to buy out his contract at PSG to make him available for the move. In a domino effect, Zidane could then replace him at the Parc des Princes.

In that same manner, Zidane has no contract at any club and would be the cheaper alternative of the two.

For now, Manchester United fans will have to see how the situation develops with Solskjaer before being able to feel realistic about appointing either Zidane or Pochettino. Either way, the speculation of these two will create much optimism and excitement among fans, who have been left disappointed up until now this season.

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