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Man Utd under Zidane: Ronaldo, Varane, Pogba, Martial, Mbappe futures may be impacted
MANCHESTER UNITED could appoint Zinedine Zidane as Jose Mourinho’s successor if the Red Devils’ current crisis continues to escalate. Express Sport explains how the appointment of the Real Madrid legend could impact Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Kylian Mbappe.
Manchester United are currently in crisis. While the club are publicly backing Mourinho, it seems to be growing increasingly likely he will leave Old Trafford under a cloud.
Express Sport understands he is staying - for now. But other reports have claimed defeat to Burnley on Sunday will see his head roll.
It has even been claimed that Zidane is ready to become Manchester United manager. He is reportedly encouraged by how the Glazers have backed Mourinho to this point, as well as their faith in Louis van Gaal during the Dutchman’s testing time in charge.
Zidane is a Galactico manager, having won the Champions League three times in as many years at Real Madrid. So how could that impact both United players and those at other clubs?
Cristiano Ronaldo - Juventus
Cristiano Ronaldo has only just left Real Madrid for Juventus. But, if things don’t work out in Italy, Zidane may try and bring him to United as the focal point of his attack.
The 33-year-old is unlikely to leave Turin. It is his Serie A swansong.
Yet emotional ties to United remain strong. The fans love him and Ed Woodward, despite snubbing the chance to snap him up this summer, would welcome his global status as world superstar.
Ronaldo and Zidane worked well together at Real and enjoyed a great relationship. His differences with Mourinho at the Bernabeu was another factor that prevented an emotional Old Trafford homecoming.
Raphael Varane - Real Madrid
Mourinho has dreamed of signing Raphael Varane for United ever since he swaggered into town two years ago.
But, at the moment, why would he leave Real for United?
He wouldn’t. The Red Devils are a mess and Madrid, despite losing Ronaldo and Zidane, are still expected to challenge for the world’s biggest trophies.
Yet Zidane and Varane got on well at the Bernabeu. ‘Zizou’ gave his compatriot his old No 5 shirt in a gesture that was well-received. Having won the lot at Real, he may fancy the chance to reunite at Old Trafford.
Paul Pogba - Manchester United
Something is not quite right with Paul Pogba. You only need to watch highlights of United’s torrid defeats to Brighton and Tottenham to know that.
Barcelona have, possibly, turned his head. The Catalan giants would relish the chance to sign the France international and are supposedly ready to wait until 2019 to land their man.
Zidane could stop that, though. He wanted the 25-year-old at Real and was livid when Florentino Perez blocked a transfer. The chances of him selling Pogba at United are remote.
And the feeling is mutual, with the current France international a massive fan. “He’s a French icon and someone who made a real impression on us. We won’t forget him. Everyone respects and admires him and we all want to emulate what he’s achieved in his career,” the midfielder said in 2016.
Pogba appeared to ignore Mourinho after Spurs loss says expert
Anthony Martial - Manchester United
Anthony Martial now appears set to stay at Manchester United. And that’s because he feels he will outlast Mourinho.
And let’s face it, he probably will. But the appointment of Zidane may not only see him stay, but finally fulfil his potential.
His attitude is questionable, but Martial has the talent to be a United hit.
And the way Zidane got attackers such as Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio firing could bode well should the 46-year-old take the reins.
Kylian Mbappe - PSG
Kylian Mbappe could have been targeted by United this summer. It has previously been reported that Woodward offered to pursue the Frenchman - only for Mourinho to say no.
Would Zidane say the same? Probably not. Mbappe is the future of not just French football, but global football.
He is a £166million bargain for PSG. The Ligue 1 giants want him to stay for the long-term - hence why they were willing to spend such a huge amount on him.
Romelu Lukaku is not really a Zidane player and Mbappe would be a dream replacement. That said, regardless of the Real legend’s admiration, a transfer would be extremely unlikely and hard to pull off.