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      Man Utd ‘confident’ of landing Mauricio Pochettino and PSG manager ‘is willing to join IMMEDIATELY’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are ‘confident’ of appointing Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager, according to reports.And the Argentine is thought to be willing to make the move to Old Trafford immediately rather than at the end of the season.
      Mauricio Pochettino could be on his way to becoming Manchester United managerCredit: AFP
      The Red Devils need to bring in a new boss after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday.
      And Paris Saint-Germain chief Pochettino is high on their wishlist.
      Now, according to the Manchester Evening News, United feel they are on course to secure a deal to land the ex-Tottenham gaffer soon.
      However, it would cost the Old Trafford club £10million in compensation to PSG for them to release him from his contract at the Parc des Princes – although that halves to £5m when he enters the final 12 months of his deal in the summer.
      Added to the £7.5m pay-off Solskjaer received and payments for under-contract coaches, the total cost of the managerial change could be close to £20m.
      The MEN report adds that United have not yet made an official approach for Poch, who is in Manchester ahead of his side’s Champions League clash against City tomorrow.

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      Pochettino is said to be ‘unhappy’ in Paris, still living in a hotel with his family back in London.
      United were planning to bring in an interim manager until the end of the season before trying to land Pochettino or Brendan Rodgers.
      But now it looks as though they may make the permanent appointment imminently with Poch keen on a mid-season switch.
      Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly working his magic to try and lure the 49-year-old – who was linked with replacing Jose Mourinho in 2018 – to Manchester.
      Former United forward Mark Hughes, who has 610 matches under his belt as a manager, told the Old Trafford club to do all they can to land the former Southampton gaffer.
      Hughes told talkSPORT: “For a long time, United have coveted Pochettino, they’ve wined and dined him, I think he’s been out with Sir Alex.
      “He’s well thought of at United so it wouldn’t surprise me if he’s the one they really want.
      If Pochettino is the man, they should just go out and get himMark Hughes
      “Whether he’s able to come to the club quickly, that’s an issue.
      “United are clearly one of the few clubs who have the resources to get a top manager out of a top club.

      “I think if he’s the man, they should just go out and get him!”
      Pochettino only took the PSG job in January, replacing Thomas Tuchel.
      And Pochettino’s possible departure could pave the way for Zinedine Zidane to take over as boss.
      Zizou rejected the approaches from United as he holds out for either the PSG or France gigs and reports now suggest PSG’s players are readying themselves for his ‘imminent’ arrival.
      United have their first match in the post-Solskjaer era this evening when interim boss Michael Carrick leads them against Europa League holders Villarreal in Spain.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Michael Carrick opens up on Solskjaer’s emotional Man Utd sacking as Maguire reveals boss’ goodbye was ‘tough’ More

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      Man Utd will have to pay PSG £10MILLION compensation to get Mauricio Pochettino now… with fee halving in summer

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      MANCHESTER UNITED must stump up £10million in compensation to Paris Saint-Germain to land Mauricio Pochettino now, according to reports.But that figure halves at the end of this season.
      Mauricio Pochettino could be on course to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty – Contributor
      It would cost the Red Devils £10m to get Poch out of PSG before the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Poch, 49, is currently still in charge at PSG, having taken over from Thomas Tuchel last season.
      But reports suggest the Argentine would be willing to walk away from the Parc des Princes in order to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford immediately, rather than waiting until the summer.
      And while that would mean United would not need to appoint an interim boss for the rest of the campaign, it is understood the mid-season switch would cost them an extra £5m.
      According to the Mirror, Pochettino’s release package cuts by 50 per cent in the summer when he enters the final year of his PSG contract.
      But if both United and Poch are keen to get a deal done before that, it is likely the Red Devils would stump up the extra cash.
      Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly working his magic to try and lure Poch – who was linked with replacing Jose Mourinho in 2018 – to Manchester permanently.

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      The former Southampton and Spurs boss is currently in the north-west because PSG take on Manchester City at the Etihad on Wednesday night in the Champions League.
      Poch’s family are still based in London rather than moving across to Paris with him which is another contributing factor in his desire to return to the Premier League.
      He is also struggling on the pitch, too, after missing out on the Ligue 1 title last season and now trying to cope with big egos in the squad.
      Zinedine Zidane was initially linked with the vacancy at United.
      However, reports now suggest PSG’s players are readying themselves for his ‘imminent’ arrival as the new manager.
      Zidane rejected the approaches from United as he holds out for either the PSG or France gigs.
      And free-agent Zizou could be back in the managerial hot seat soon if Poch resigns, despite only taking the job in January.
      United have their first match in the post-Solskjaer era this evening when interim boss Michael Carrick leads them against Europa League holders Villarreal in Spain.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Mauricio Pochettino ‘ready to quit PSG to replace Solskjaer at Man Utd now’ as his family are still based in England More

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      Andreas Pereira is Man Utd’s top scorer this season with more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo and Co… for Flamengo

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      ANDREAS PEREIRA is Manchester United’s top scorer this season.The problem is he is currently on loan at Flamengo in Brazil.
      Andreas Pereira has scored more league goals than any other Manchester United player this termCredit: Getty
      Cristiano Ronaldo is United’s joint-top scorer in the Premier League on fourCredit: Alan Cozzi
      The Brazilian attacking midfielder could not have wished for a better time in his homeland.
      He has racked up five Serie A goals in just 16 league appearances, including his first just three minutes into his debut after a horror backpass and a superb free-kick.
      And Pereira, 25, grabbed his latest this weekend with a fine acrobatic finish after arriving into the box with perfect timing.
      His tally of five league goals dwarfs his effort of two Premier League goals in 45 Manchester United appearances.
      And it is better than anyone at his parent club has managed in 2021-22.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is their joint No1 talisman in front of goal in the league with four goals.

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      Two of those came on his debut against Newcastle, with a third against West Ham the following week and another in the 3-0 win over Spurs.
      Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood are also up to four for this league campaign.
      Jesse Lingard and Marcus Rashford are on two apiece while Edinson Cavani, Fred, Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek are all on one each.
      Paul Pogba, Harry Maguire and Jadon Sancho – who cost a combined £247million – have not scored yet.
      Ronaldo, however, is on nine in all competitions thanks to his heroics in the Champions League.
      Bizarrely, none of the other five United senior players out on loan this term have scored yet.
      Facundo Pellestri (Alaves), Brandon Williams (Norwich), James Garner (Nottingham Forest), Axel Tuanzebe (Aston Villa) and Tahith Chong (Birmingham) are all looking for their first goals of the campaign.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Pereira scored with an acrobatic finish this weekend for his fifth of the campaignCredit: Reuters
      Marcus Rashford has two while Jadon Sancho is yet to open his Red Devils accountCredit: Getty
      Andreas Pereira scores stunning free kick for Flamengo against Juventude More

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      ‘Is it April Fool’s Day?’ – Cristiano Ronaldo’s pick for new Man Utd boss Luis Enrique brutally rules out move to club

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      LUIS ENRIQUE brutally ruled himself out of the Manchester United manager hunt – by asking ‘is it April Fool’s Day?’ The Old Trafford club are looking for a new boss after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday morning.
      Luis Enrique hilariously responded to reports linking him with the Manchester United jobCredit: Reuters
      Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly wants Spain head coach Enrique to take over.
      Ronaldo saw Enrique in charge at Barcelona between 2014 and 2017, as the then-Real Madrid forward battled with him for Spanish honours.
      The 51-year-old has overseen Spain’s qualification for next year’s World Cup.
      And he emphatically made it clear he does not plan to step away from leading his country in Qatar.
      Asked about replacing Solskjaer in the hotseat at United, Enrique told La Sexta: “Is today April Fools’ Day?”
      Journalist Fabrizio Romano added: “Luis Enrique is absolutely not planning to leave Spain right now.

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      “He’s understood to be ‘so happy’ with his current job.”
      United earlier confirmed that Michael Carrick will temporarily take the reigns, before they hire an interim manager to take charge until the end of the season.
      In addition to Enrique and Zidane, Brendan Rodgers, Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino have all been linked with the job – as well as Sevilla’s former Spain and Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui.
      But Red Devils record goalscorer Wayne Rooney insisted he would not take over because he is committed to trying to save Derby County.
      Solskjaer was axed in the wake of the humiliating 4-1 defeat at Vicarage Road.
      And the club delivered the news on their website with a short, 159-word statement.
      It said the Old Trafford hierarchy made the decision “with regret” and says “Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United”.
      United chiefs met at 7pm last night to discuss sacking the Norwegian, who they’d handed a new three-year deal to in August.
      As revealed by SunSport, Solskjaer will have to be given a full year’s salary as a severance package by the club – which works around £7.5m.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly wanted Enrique to replace Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Getty
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked as Manchester United manager More

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      ‘Icon. Inspiration. Hero. Legend’ – Conor McGregor leads emotional tributes to sacked Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

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      CONOR McGREGOR heaped praise on ‘icon, inspiration, hero, legend’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following his sacking. The Norwegian was axed by Manchester United on Sunday morning following his side’s latest horror show, this time at Watford.
      Manchester United fan Conor McGregor paid tribute to Ole Gunnar SolskjaerCredit: Instagram / @thenotoriousmma
      Solskjaer was given the boot on Sunday morning, hours after the 4-1 loss at WatfordCredit: Reuters
      But UFC superstar and massive Red Devils fan McGregor was quick to laud Solskjaer.
      And the Irishman will forever hold the dismissed manager in high regard, especially after the 1999 Champions League heroics.
      McGregor, tipped to buy shares in the Old Trafford club in April, tweeted on Sunday lunchtime: “I want to give a major shout out, and a huge thank you to the living legend that is Ole Gunnar Solskjær!
      “Ole you are forever, Sir! Icon! Inspiration! Hero! Legend! Thank you Ole.”
      Speaking in October following the 5-0 humiliation against Liverpool, McGregor called for Solskjaer to be relieved of his coaching duties as he’s little more than a ‘peer’ to his players.
      McGregor, 33, said: “The issue at United is it’s just bunch of young fellas talking to each other. Peers.

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      “You need someone above the group chat to take the helm.
      “Ole was on the bench when Ronaldo played. A peer. Not enough.
      “Love and respect Ole to the max but his role needs [to be] rearranged. My opinion.”
      David De Gea was among the players that expressed their appreciation for the sacked head coach’s contribution in the last three years.
      The star goalkeeper described the loss to the Hornets as a “nightmare” last night but now insists Solskjaer always “gave everything” for the Red Devils.
      De Gea tweeted: “You always gave everything and everyone knows you are a legend at [Man Utd].”
      Marcus Rashford also expressed his respect for the 48-year-old gaffer as he shared a picture of them together and described him as a “club legend”.
      Captain Harry Maguire, who was sent off at Watford, thanked him for helping him join the “best club in the world”.
      Maguire said: “You signed me for the best club in the world and gave me the biggest honour in football. Huge respect and forever grateful. Thank you for everything boss. Legend.”
      TRAFFORD TURMOIL
      The Norwegian was axed in the wake of the humiliating 4-1 defeat at Vicarage Road.
      And the club delivered the news on their website with a short, 159-word statement.
      It said the Old Trafford hierarchy made the decision “with regret” and says “Ole will always be a legend at Manchester United”.
      United chiefs met at 7pm last night to discuss sacking the Norwegian, who they’d handed a new three-year deal to in August.
      As revealed by SunSport, Solskjaer will have to be given a full year’s salary as a severance package by the club – which works around £7.5m.
      Michael Carrick, 40, will take temporary control of the team as they hunt a long-term replacement.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked as Manchester United manager More

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      How Sir Alex Ferguson would get best out of Solskjaer’s Man Utd squad by fixing defence and new-look starting XI

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      MANY United fans are in disbelief that manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still in charge.After the 5-0 home Premier League defeat to Liverpool last month Solskjaer was tipped to get the sack, but he struggled on and saw out a win against Tottenham, a lucky draw in Italy against Atalanta and another defeat at home to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
      Many are surprised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has lasted this long as Manchester United bossCredit: AFP
      This is how Sir Alex Ferguson may choose to line up the current crop
      Reports on Friday suggested that Solskjaer has once again held ‘crisis talks’ with six members of his United squad, including Cristiano Ronaldo.
      And, the alarm bells are ringing loud at Old Trafford, with United only keeping two clean sheets in their past 24 matches in all competitions.
      Solskjaer often speaks fondly of his former manager, but what would Sir Alex Ferguson do with the current squad to get the best out of them and turn their faltering season around?
      Well, that defensive figure would be put right from the start.
      Ferguson famously once said that ‘strikers win you matches and defenders win you titles’ and while United are some way off winning a league title, they must defend better collectively if they want to start keeping clean sheets and climb up the table.
      Ferguson undoubtedly would go back to basics, concentrating on what United can do, and focusing less on the opposition.

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      United have arguably got the best squad since the Scot’s departure in 2013, they just need a bit of fine-tuning and confidence to get back on the right track.
      In goal, David De Gea would start. Ferguson signed De Gea in 2011 from Atletico Madrid and in front of that he’d play United’s four best defenders.
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw have been tried many times, but if Varane can stay fit, and Shaw rediscovers his form from last season, then huge improvements would be made.
      Maguire’s form is the big worry, so perhaps it’s time for him to relinquish the captaincy, and concentrate on his own game.
      One defensive midfielder – probably Scott McTominay – would protect the defence, with Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek offering a good balance of creativity and hard work in front of that.
      Ronaldo, who else, would be the focal point of the attack through the middle, with Marcus Rashford taking up a spot wide left and Jadon Sancho on the opposite side.
      Ferguson might well have chosen Edinson Cavani to partner Ronaldo, but the Uruguayan struggles with one or two niggly injuries.
      LEFT IN THE POGHOUSE
      Paul Pogba, who looks like he’s closing in on a move away from United on a free transfer for the second time, would have to make do with a spot on the bench.
      The Frenchman started superbly against Leeds United, but has struggled with consistency since.
      United’s squad is riddled with more problems than solutions, yet remarkably, Solskjaer has spent more than £400million since he was appointed interim manager nearly three years ago.
      Ferguson would bring back that passion and attack.
      Ferguson would stick to Manchester United’s values.
      Ferguson would allow the players to express themselves and play without fear.
      But most importantly, Ferguson would ensure that his team worked the hardest, put the team above individuals, and won football matches.
      For more of Tom’s views, visit his Twitter account: https://twitter.com/MrTomMcDermott
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Ferguson would likely be able to get the best out of a faltering team and possibly even with the titleCredit: PA:Press Association
      Brendan Rodgers slams ‘disrespectful’ Man Utd links in fierce defence of Solskjaer as he vows to focus on Leicester More

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      Seven players Man Utd failed to sign, including Ronaldinho and Hazard, and who they bought instead like Bebe and Kagawa

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      THE lure of playing at the Theatre of Dreams wasn’t enough to convince these talents their future belonged at Old Trafford.Over the years, Manchester United have missed out on a number of transfer targets during the transfer window.
      England legend Alan Shearer was one of the many stars Man Utd failed to sign over the yearsCredit: Allsport
      It’s meant they have had to change plans and move for someone else.
      But who did the Red Devils fail to sign? And, more importantly, who did they buy instead?
      RONALDINHO/CRISTIANO RONALDO
      After the 2002 World Cup, Ronaldinho was one of the world’s hottest properties.
      Starring at PSG, where United had tracked him, the club were in talks with the great Brazilian.
      But in 2003, he snubbed Sir Alex Ferguson for Barcelona, where he would win the Ballon d’Or.
      Instead, the Premier League giants invested in youth – bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo that same summer. We all know how that turned out.
      Ronaldinho decided to join Barcelona instead of Man UtdCredit: Corbis – Getty
      The same year United bought a teenage Cristiano RonaldoCredit: PA:Press Association
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      GABRIEL BATISTUTA/RUUD VAN NISTELROOY
      In 2000, Argentina legend Batistuta talked up a move to Manchester United by declaring if he ever left Fiorentina, he would opt for United.
      However, when it was time to put his money where his mouth was he went to Roma instead.
      Fergie decided on Ruud Van Nistelrooy instead, but was forced to wait a season after he wrecked his knee before the transfer.
      The Dutch striker became a club legend, scoring 150 goals in 219 games.
      Gabriel Batistuta teased a move to Man Utd before opting for Roma insteadCredit: Allsport
      United waited a season before signing Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who became a legendCredit: PA:Press Association
      ALAN SHEARER/SHERINGHAM & SOLSKJAER
      Shearer to Man Utd was mooted for years, before he signed for Blackburn and became a Premier League star.
      At Euro 96, he solidified his reputation as one of the best forwards in the world, so naturally the best club in the land wanted him.
      However, the summer he won the Golden Boot at the championships he turned down United again for a move to boyhood club Newcastle.
      Fergie brought in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham for a fraction of the £15million outlay the Geordies paid for Shearer.
      The pair would combine in 1999 to win the Champions League with a goal apiece to famously defeat Bayern Munich in dramatic fashion.
      Alan Shearer snubbed United and signed for Newcastle instead in 1996Credit: Allsport
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, third from left, was one of Fergie’s signings that summerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Teddy Sheringham would later join the club before deadline dayCredit: Reuters
      RAUL/BEBE
      Perhaps past his best at 33, Real Madrid legend Raul was offered to United in a stunning deal.
      It was green lit until Fergie had a change of mind and decided to pull the plug on the transfer.
      The ex-Spain star went Schalke, where he scored 40 goals across two seasons.
      United signed Bebe for £7m instead. The Brazilian appeared seven times in three seasons, was clearly well out of his depth, and left the club for Benfica in 2014 at a loss.
      Sir Alex Ferguson pulled the plug on a deal for Spain legend Raul, who later joined SchalkeCredit: Reuters
      Brazilian Bebe was signed instead of Raul for £7m but became a massive flopCredit: Action Images
      EDEN HAZARD/SHINJI KAGAWA
      Come 2012, and it was Lille’s sensation Eden Hazard who was attracting bidders.
      United were priced out the market, with the Belgium playmaker signing for Chelsea in a massive £34m deal.
      Sir Alex, who had also failed to land Samir Nasri for the same reason, slammed agents demanding too much money.
      United spent £12m on Shinji Kagawa, who spent two unhappy years in Manchester before returning to Borussia Dortmund for a fee reported as low as £6m.
      Man Utd were priced out of a move for Eden HazardCredit: Action Images – Reuters
      In came Shinji Kagawa instead, who had two unhappy years at Old Trafford before leaving in 2014Credit: Getty – Contributor
      TONI KROOS/MAROUANE FELLAINI
      David Moyes thought he had landed a marquee signing in Toni Kroos in 2013.
      The German then decided against moving to the Premier League at the last minute and opted to stay with Bayern Munich.
      “Toni Kroos had agreed to come to Manchester United with me,” Moyes told talkSPORT in 2018.
      “I met him and his wife and we agreed it all when he was at Bayern Munich.”
      Unsuccessful attempts to bring Cesc Fabregas and Sami Khedira then followed.
      When it came to desperate stakes, Marouane Fellaini was signed for £28m.
      Six years later, he ended up at Chinese club Shandong Luneng in a £6m deal, after flopping at Old Trafford and never really convincing the fans.
      Toni Kross turned United down at the last minute in 2013Credit: PA:Empics Sport
      David Moyes turned to Marouane Fellaini in a £28m dealCredit: Getty – Minimum Fee
      DAYOT UPAMECANO/REGAN POOLE
      French star Upamecano is one of the world’s best modern day defenders, and is starring for Bayern Munich.
      But United had the opportunity to bring the centre back to our shores in 2015, when he was just 16.
      A bid of £1.6m to club Valenciennes was accepted but negotiations broke down between United and the player’s agent.
      “An intermediary met with us, but there was a difference between the project she presented us and what was actually going to happen,” his ex-advisor Thierry Martinez said.
      “A flat was promised, but that changed to a host family with only six return trips for his parents. When you uproot a player at such a young age, that isn’t enough. I wanted Dayot to have a stable emotional balance off the pitch.”
      United landed 17-year-old Newport County prospect Regan Poole after pulling out of a deal.
      One Europa League appearance later, he was shipped to Lincoln City, where he plays today.
      Dayot Upamecano has blossomed into one of the best defenders in world footballCredit: Getty – Contributor
      After United failed to land Upamecano at 17, they signed Newport County youngster Reegan Poole who made just one appearance for the clubCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Neil Custis says that Manchester United should look to appoint Brendan Rodgers as manager More

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      Man Utd manager target Zinedine Zidane is ‘learning English’, claims former team-mate and Arsenal legend Petit

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      ZINEDINE ZIDANE is learning English amid reports linking him with the Manchester United manager’s job.That is according to his former team-mate and Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit.
      Zinedine Zidane is taking English lessons with a possible move to Manchester United on the cardsCredit: PA
      Zidane, 49, remains one of the favourites to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Old Trafford hot seat.
      And ex-France international Petit reckons he is having lessons in the language – it is unconfirmed if ‘pass to Cristiano’ was the first phrase he picked up.
      But the Highbury hero does not necessarily think that means he will be taking over the Red Devils.
      He told booksmakers.co.uk: “If you are a manager of a football club you need to speak different languages.
      “I know Zinedine speaks different languages but I’m pretty sure English is not one of them.
      “There are so many examples of wrong decisions in football – not necessarily the wrong decision about someone’s ability, but about the dressing room being a right fit given all the different nationalities.
      “Communication is very important, so if you do not speak the language when you arrive at a club like Manchester United, that could be a big problem.

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      “I’ve been told that he has been learning English recently, so I think he knows it’s important for his career, but Zinedine being linked with Manchester United – I don’t believe it, to be honest.
      “Of course, he’s a big name but he never played in the Premier League and has very little connection with it, so as I said, I don’t believe it.”
      Brendan Rodgers remains United’s No1 target if they do decide to sack Solskajer, who refuses to walk away.
      Ajax chief Erik ten Hag is also in contention.
      But although Zidane is high on the United wish list and could be tempted by the gig, it is thought his wife Veronique would put the brakes on a deal because she does not want to live in Manchester but instead extend their sabbatical.
      Zizou has also been linked with the Paris Saint-Germain job – which could see Mauricio Pochettino finally head to Old Trafford in the managerial merry-go-round.
      However, that is unlikely to be until next summer.
      And that could be just months before the France post becomes available with Didier Deschamps potentially stepping down after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
      And Petit reckons the chance to lead his country would certainly be appealing for Zidane.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford
      Petit, who scored the third after Zidane’s double in the 1998 World Cup final, added: “That’s probably in his mind.
      “I’m pretty sure after the 2022 World Cup Deschamps will leave the national team and join a club, he hinted at it in a press conference the other day.
      “Zinedine has been mentioned as the next France manager for years, ever since he left Madrid the first time, so it would not be a surprise for anyone if that was his next job.”
      Zidane and Emmanuel Petit were team-mates for France, winning the 1998 World CupCredit: EPA
      How Man Utd could line-up under Zinedine Zidane More