Man Utd sacking Erik ten Hag for Zinedine Zidane could force two major transfer U-turns

Zinedine Zidane's blockbuster arrival as Manchester United manager could see the club make two dramatic transfer U-turns this summer. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have identified Zidane as their dream replacement for Erik ten Hag ahead of their first full season in control of football operations, according to reports in France.

"Why not? Anything can happen," Zidane responded last week when asked whether he was interested in a return to coaching after three years away.

He added: "But at the moment, I'm doing something else. I am sure that I will return to the bench. I would like to coach again,"

Foot Mercato claim that Ratcliffe wants to make Zidane his first managerial appointment as United co-owner amid Ten Hag's disappointing second season.

And the 51-year-old landing at Old Trafford could prevent two big-name players from leaving as expected in the upcoming transfer window.

Reports suggest that Casemiro is likely to depart M16 this summer, just two years after leaving Real Madrid for United in a £70million deal.

The 32-year-old midfielder is the subject of big-money interest from Saudi Arabia, and United are said to be ready to cash in.

Raphael Varane, who, like Casemiro, left Real for the Red Devils, is also expected to depart as he nears his contract expiry in June.

United are reportedly reluctant to offer Varane an extension on his current £340,000-a-week salary to reflect his role in the squad.

The 29-year-old has been an important figure when fit since arriving for £34m in 2021, but relentless injury problems have limited his availability.

INEOS would immediately raise millions by offloading both Varane and Casemiro - United's two top earners - as they look to fund much-needed squad upgrades.

But the duo were crucial cogs to Zidane's winning machine during his two stints as Real manager, during which they guided Los Blancos to three successive Champions League crowns from 2016 to 2018.