Charlie Austin has declared that Manchester United should turn to French-Algerian icon Zinedine Zidane if Ruben Amorim’s troubled tenure at Old Trafford comes to an end.
Zidane, whose roots trace back to Algeria despite his illustrious international career with France, has not managed since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
His name, however, remains synonymous with success and authority at the highest level of European football.
Austin believes United should make every effort to bring him to England, even if convincing the three-time Champions League-winning coach would require persuasion.
Speaking on Sky Sports after United’s humiliating Carabao Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby Town, Austin did not hold back on the need for change.
“If it’s my decision, I am going after Zinedine Zidane. I’m trying to convince him to come to Manchester United. Shouldn’t need doing, but at this moment in time, you do,” he said.
United’s 2-1 defeat at Blundell Park has been described as one of the biggest upsets in English cup history.
It left Amorim, who has managed only 28 points from 29 Premier League matches, looking dejected on the sidelines. His struggles have heightened speculation about who could be next in line for the United hot seat, a position many now regard as cursed.
Austin insisted Zidane would be the perfect figure to restore order, even though the Frenchman rejected a lucrative €100m approach from Al-Hilal last year.
“I would take Zidane, but is he the right man for the job at Manchester United (as we) speak at the moment and how we see them, probably not,” he reflected.
The former Southampton striker suggested Sean Dyche as another candidate, pointing to the stability the current Everton boss has provided at struggling clubs.
Amorim, meanwhile, faces mounting pressure, with United’s upcoming clash against Burnley likely to play a pivotal role in determining his immediate future.
