How Man Utd could line up under Zinedine Zidane with Jude Bellingham making shock transfer from Real Madrid
MANCHESTER UNITED could line up with one of the most exciting teams in Europe if Zinedine Zidane becomes their next manager.
The Frenchman has been out of work since 2021 after a second spell with his beloved Real Madrid.
But he has now been tipped to replace Erik ten Hag at United by former team-mate Julio Baptista.
The Brazil icon and former Arsenal loanee told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “I think Zidane will be a Premier League manager someday.
“He is an incredible coach with amazing experience having won the Champions League, so I can see that happening.
“I can see him going to Manchester United.”
Should Zidane make the stunning switch to Old Trafford, he could target several players to reinvigorate United’s squad.
Real Madrid and England superstar Jude Bellingham would likely be top of his list in one of the most incredible transfers in history.
The midfielder only moved to Spain for an initial £88.5million from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
Bellingham has been nothing short of superb with 20 goals and nine assists in 31 outings.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER
But the Birmingham legend has made no secret of his admiration for Zidane.
And the feeling is mutual, with Zizou saying this week: “Jude Bellingham is spectacular, we are lucky to have him in the Real Madrid. He is very good and I hope he brings many trophies.”
Should a mind-blowing deal ever go through, it would likely see Bellingham join new England team-mate Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, with captain Bruno Fernandes completing the triumvirate.
Another Real player strongly linked with United is Rodrygo, who is more than capable of finally fixing the side’s problem area on the right wing.
And alongside Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund, the Red Devils would finally have an attack ready to challenge for the title.
As for defence, Andre Onana is unlikely to be on the move any time soon.
Indeed, he has the same profile as Zidane’s former Real goalie Keylor Navas, which bodes well for his ball-playing instincts.
Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw are unlikely to be muscled out of the backline anytime soon.
But it could mean a reprieve for Raphael Varane, who is another player with strong links to Zidane.
He still has a year left on his United contract and could fancy a last dance alongside his fellow Frenchman.
Varane could be joined by a new centre-back though, with Juventus’ Gleison Bremer long linked with a switch.
His physicality and technical skills would make him an ideal presence in Zidane’s defence.
But it would also leave the likes of Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans sweating over their futures.
Zinedine Zidane's managerial career
Those brilliant numbers in full...
- Real Madrid Castilla, 2014-2016: P57 W26 D17 L14 GD+30
- Real Madrid, 2016-2018: P149 W105 D28 L16 GD+235
- Real Madrid, 2019-2021: P114 W69 D25 L20 GD+103
- Trophies: LaLiga x2, Spanish Super Cup x2, Champions League x3, Uefa Super Cup, Club World Cup x2 (Real Madrid)