Zinedine Zidane's first exit from Real Madrid was mourned by his players (Image: Getty)
In the event that Erik ten Hag continues to fail to inspire confidence at Manchester United, the legendary Zinedine Zidane could be a welcome tonic. After all, the Real Madrid icon has few equals when it comes to stirring emotion among his players.
United are currently struggling and in the midst of their worst start to a Premier League season, and have failed to win any of their opening Europa League matches. The atmosphere at Old Trafford suffered after a dispiriting five-match winless run, with Ten Hag seemingly unable to get a feel for their team.
On the other side of the managerial spectrum is the figure of Zidane, 52, whose exit from Real in 2018 would have left a deep void among his players. After winning his third consecutive Champions League trophy, Zidane's decision to leave (for the first time) what many consider to be the pinnacle of club coaching shocked his charges at the time.
Spanish daily Marca (via The Mirror) described the atmosphere in Real's dressing room as a “bomb”, highlighting the profound impact of Zidane's departure on those who thrived under his leadership. On the other hand, there is a feeling that some at United might not be too upset if Ten Hag's tenure was suddenly cut short.
This stark contrast in team morale underlines how far United have strayed from their former glories. Sir Alex Ferguson once fostered a mixture of respect and affection from his players, like Zidane, but Ten Hag appears to be the latest in a succession of managers unable to elicit the right reaction from his team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold hinted at a similar relationship with Jurgen Klopp's when he unexpectedly announced he would be leaving Liverpool. Expressing the impact Klopp had on him and his Liverpool teammates, Alexander-Arnold said: “I was as shocked as anyone else, really, if not more.
Erik ten Hag faces growing pressure again at United (Image: Getty Images)
“It was a huge surprise for all of us. It's obviously not a good surprise but of course it's a personal decision that he's making. We have to respect it.”
The England full-back went on to say he had “absolutely loved every minute” of his time under Klopp. Compare that bond with the current cohesion (or lack thereof) at Old Trafford, and it's hard to imagine a single United player sharing the same feelings towards Ten Hag.
It wasn't even a year after his first departure that Zidane made a valiant return to Real, winning another La Liga title in 2020 before retiring again the following year. Now, after spending more than three years out of the club's management, rumors of a possible move to Old Trafford persist.
Celebrated as one of the greatest football players of all time, the 1998 Ballon d'Or winner can now boast an illustrious managerial career to match. As speculation increases over a potential split between United and Ten Hag, the idea of bringing in a proven legend with a history of motivational prowess certainly seems an inviting prospect for the Red Devils.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1963989/manchester-united-zidane-real-madrid-ten-hag