Raphael Varane Tells Manchester United who they should hire if Erik ten Hag is Sacked

Manchester United defender, Raphael Varane has not shied away from expressing his opinion on the potential successor to under-fire manager Erik ten Hag.

The French defender has made his stance crystal clear, suggesting a familiar face for the managerial role if Ten Hag faces the axe.

The scrutiny surrounding Ten Hag intensified this week following a series of lackluster performances, culminating in a disheartening 3-0 defeat against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup fourth round, a result that left United fans disenchanted.

READ ALSO: Erik ten Hag vows to ‘fight’ on amid questions over his future at Man United after defeat by Newcastle

The mounting pressure has led to speculation regarding Ten Hag’s future, with bookmakers slashing odds on his possible departure.

Zinedine Zidane, the legendary French figure has emerged as the frontrunner in the bookies’ eyes to assume the managerial mantle at Old Trafford.

What makes this revelation particularly intriguing is Varane’s prior association with Zidane during their shared tenure at Real Madrid.

The bond forged between the two compatriots in Madrid has evidently left a lasting impression on Varane, prompting him to advocate for Zidane’s potential arrival at Manchester United.

Varane’s endorsement carries significant weight, not only due to his status as a seasoned professional but also because of his firsthand experience working under Zidane’s tutelage.

Zidane’s storied career as both a player and manager lends an air of credibility to the prospect of his appointment, sparking anticipation among fans and pundits alike.

He told The Times: “I will give you the details! It was a crazy moment of my life!

“I was playing with the first team and the club knew I had to be sold. So when Zizou called me, I was really busy and I didn’t know it was him at the beginning. When I recognised him, I was shocked. ‘Oh wow!’ It was crazy, so I asked him to call me back another day because I was busy and in shock.”

Varane continued: “He was fine. Zizou is very humble and a very normal person so he understood completely. Ten seconds after, I called my brother and told him ‘You don’t know what I just did!’ It was crazy, crazy! For my generation, if you ask ‘tell me about one football player’, it’s Zizou. He’s the most famous and most respected player.”

READ ALSO: Man United players angry with Erik ten Hag for his treatment of club legend

Varane then spoke about the time Sir Alex Ferguson tried luring him to United.

He said: “Another shock! I was looking out of the window to see if he is really coming in my house. When he came, I didn’t speak English, my mum speaks perfect English so she spoke more with him. It was a discussion for an hour about how he can help me to grow as a person and player. It was a big experience.

“For me, Manchester United always was a big, big club with a big history. I remember when [Rio] Ferdinand and [Nemanja] Vidic were playing together. I always respected this club and the history. [David] Beckham, a lot of players with a big legacy at this club, so, yes, I always respected English football and especially United.”

Varane continued: “The first idea was to come to United. Because of circumstances, Zizou called me and the transfer accelerated very quickly and I went to Madrid. I spoke with [José] Mourinho, went back to France and took the Baccalaureat the day after I saw Mourinho.” He passed. “Yes! It was an absolutely crazy month!”

READ ALSO: Pochettino Reveals Two Clubs He Will Never Manage Ahead of Chelsea vs Tottenham Clash

As the football world eagerly awaits Manchester United’s decision amidst the mounting speculation, Varane’s open support for Zidane adds an intriguing layer to the unfolding narrative.

The potential synergy between the experienced manager and the talented squad at Old Trafford promises an exciting chapter for United, creating a buzz of anticipation among supporters and experts alike.

The final outcome of this managerial saga will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the club, making every development a focal point of discussion in the football community.