Zinedine Zidane gives an instruction to Casemiro on the touchline. (Image: Getty Images.)
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has hailed Zinedine Zidane’s ability to connect with players as his greatest quality, amidst speculation of the legendary French coach joining the Red Devils.
Zidane, a free agent since parting ways with Real Madrid in 2021, is rumoured to be a potential successor to Erik ten Hag if Old Trafford chiefs decide to sack the current boss.
Ten Hag, who recently steered United to a stalemate with Aston Villa, remains at the helm despite the team’s worrying winless streak stretching over five matches. The recent goal drought has only amplified calls for change, with Zidane’s name floating around as a viable candidate to spark a revival.
After Thomas Tuchel became the new England manager, top-tier coaching options are dwindling. Zidane’s illustrious tenure at Madrid pockets him among the elite – though scepticism lingers due to his past disinterest in managing an English club.
This was echoed back in 2018 by his agent Alain Migliaccio, who said: “I do not think that he will manage in England. It is much less his style. I have discussed it with him, it does not really attract him.”
Despite ongoing speculation linking him with Manchester United, should Zidane ever step into the helm at Old Trafford, midfield dynamo Casemiro, having thrived under Zidane’s tutelage at Madrid, vouched for one of his key attributes as a manager.
Erik ten Hag remains under pressure at Manchester United. (Image: Getty)
Casting his mind back to 2017, Casemiro had lauded Zidane, noting: “He knows that a player is also a human being. Some days you are sad, some days angry and he knows how to talk to a player if something is going on.”
Casemiro attributed Zidane’s ability to truly understand his squad as one of his pivotal managerial qualities, stating: “That is his strength – he knows how to connect inside the dressing room.”
Records show that Casemiro has indeed spent more time under Zidane than any other manager throughout his career, clocking in a staggering 205 appearances and contributing to the team’s success with 26 goals and an additional 19 assists.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1963019/Man-Utd-news-Zinedine-Zidane-Casemiro