Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has urged the club to appoint Zinedine Zidane as Jose Mourinho’s long-term replacement as manager.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer began life as United’s interim boss with a 5-1 victory over Cardiff City on Saturday, while Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is the leading contender to take the job permanently.
But Saha, who played for United for four years from 2004, backs three-time Champions League winning manager Zidane for the role.
‘He was an exceptional player (and) the coach, there is no equivalent,’ Saha said in an interview with Omnisport. ‘In communication he has made a lot of progress. When I hear him talking, it’s incredible.
‘He breathes football, he is a passionate person, who has all the qualities to be respected. He knows how to balance attack and defence.
‘At Real Madrid, he had three offensive monsters, and he has to make the link with the defence. It’s huge.
‘For me it’s the best choice for United. I think he will have the support of the supporters, the staff, the president because he deserves it. And we’re going to give him time.’
Zidane stunned Real by stepping down as manager in the summer after leading them to their third straight Champions League title.
In his three years at the Bernabeu, Zidane also won La Liga once and the Club World Cup twice.