Former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke has called on the club to part ways with current manager Erik ten Hag and appoint Zinedine Zidane as his replacement.
Yorke believes Zidane’s elite status could help turn around United’s difficult start to the 2024/25 season.
United have endured a difficult start to the campaign, winning 1-0 against Fulham and suffering a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Despite making several signings this summer after a disappointing 2023/24 season, the team are struggling to deliver consistent performances. This has led Yorke to question Ten Hag’s credentials as a top-flight manager.
Yorke questions Ten Hag’s pedigree
Speaking to Lord Ping, Yorke said: “Erik ten Hag is a good manager, but there is a difference between being a good manager and being an elite manager. United need a manager with pedigree. Until United have a manager like that, they will struggle. Zinedine Zidane is an elite manager who can attract the greatest players in the world and get everyone back in the game.”
Yorke stressed that Zidane’s presence would restore United’s appeal to top talent, something he believes Ten Hag lacks. “The biggest names in world football will bend over backwards to come and play for Zidane if he’s at Manchester United,” he added.
Yorke also suggested that the club’s new co-owners, INEOS, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, would not hesitate to make a change in management if results did not improve. “You don’t become one of the richest men in the UK by being nice. You have to be ruthless in business, and it’s the same in football. I think Sir Jim Ratcliffe will not hesitate to make a change.”
With the pressure mounting, Ten Hag and his side will be looking to bounce back in their next Premier League clash against arch-rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
