Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson has already displayed admiration for Zinedine Zidane

Sir Alex has previously praised Zidane (Image: KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)

Sir Alex Ferguson once famously quipped that he could win the Champions League with "10 planks of wood" and Zinedine Zidane on his side. Despite passing up the opportunity to bring Zidane to Old Trafford, opting instead to keep faith in Eric Cantona, Ferguson's admiration for the French maestro was undeniable.

He was once quoted as saying: "Give me 10 planks of wood and Zidane and I will win the Champions League." While Zidane never graced the pitch at Manchester United as a player, rumours are swirling that he could take over the reins as manager, with persistent speculation linking him to the Old Trafford managerial position.

Current boss Erik ten Hag is under scrutiny after a less-than-stellar start to the season. Despite Ten Hag earning himself a contract extension earlier this year following a stunning 2-1 triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, his tenure is looking shaky after a wobbly beginning to the new campaign.

Related articles Zinedine Zidane training ground visit, nine-word Man Utd verdict, Bayern snub Zinedine Zidane’s huge net worth, glamorous model wife and Man Utd links function loadOvpScript(){let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114291&vp_content=plembed3e7arguyxmsj&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v114291');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)} window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114291"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});window.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded',()=>{setTimeout(()=>{if(typeof flagTcfLoaded!=='undefined'&&flagTcfLoaded===!0){loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP flagTcfLoaded',new Date())}else{document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",()=>{loadOvpScript() ExpressApp.Log('[Load] OVP tcfLoaded',new Date())})}},1500)})

Although there's no immediate danger to his job, with just one victory from three Premier League outings and a tough schedule looming in both domestic and European contests, the Dutchman needs to orchestrate a turnaround soon if he wants to surpass last season's performance. United's only win this season came in a nail-biter against Fulham, while they suffered a last-minute 2-1 loss to Brighton and were soundly beaten 3-0 by Liverpool, reflecting the squad's inconsistent form.

Currently sitting uncomfortably at 14th in the table, the Red Devils look to regain their stride in an upcoming clash with Southampton on Saturday. With turmoil brewing at Manchester United and Zidane unattached, rumours are swirling once more about the French legend potentially commandeering the helm at Old Trafford.

His name was bandied about previously as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tenure wobbled after a devastating 5-0 capitulation to Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool back in 2021. Ferguson may no longer be pacing the touchline at United, but he continues to wield influence from the boardroom and surely admires Zidane's managerial prowess, especially considering the Frenchman's trophy-laden saga at Real Madrid.

Ten Hag has had a shaky start to the season (Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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The illustrious Zidane, who has more Champions League triumphs than Ferguson, has been on sabbatical since bidding adieu to Madrid in 2021. His name is often linked with positions but Zidane appears to biding his time for the right job.

Tackling the chatter about a potential United move, Zidane himself previously explained why he wouldn't take the job, saying: "Would I want to go to Manchester [United]? I understand English, but I'm not completely fluent in it. I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way."

Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson has already displayed admiration for Zinedine Zidane

Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson has already displayed admiration for Zinedine Zidane

Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson has already displayed admiration for Zinedine Zidane

Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson has already displayed admiration for Zinedine Zidane

Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson has already displayed admiration for Zinedine Zidane