Zinedine Zidane backed to replace Erik ten Hag at Man Utd with Dutchman 'set to be sacked'

Zinedine Zidane has been backed by one pundit to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

Ten Hag’s future at United is looking increasingly uncertain after his side’s limp collapse in the FA Cup semi-final against Championship side Coventry.

While United ultimately won the tie on penalties, the game saw them squander a 3-0 lead and survive a dramatic VAR scare deep into extra time.

The manner of the victory has led a consensus of pundits and ex-pros to insist Ten Hag will depart United at the end of the season.

While Thomas Tuchel is the latest high-profile name to be linked to the Old Trafford job, former Scotland international Ally McCoist claimed Zidane would be the perfect fit at United.

Speaking to talkSPORT BET, McCoist said: “I just get the feeling that with the new ownership and Sir Jim Ratcliffe bringing a lot of his own men in, he might want to bring his own manager in as well.

“It is a project and even if they do replace the manager, I still think they need six or seven new players – you could argue that is more important.

“Then it comes down to recruitment and who will be tasked with bringing those players in. I’m not so sure that it’ll be Ten Hag.

“With that in mind, I’d love to see Zinedine Zidane take over at Manchester United. I think that he would be brilliant for the club and if I had to pick one then he would be the one for me.

“Thomas Tuchel would probably jump at the opportunity to be the next United boss, but Zidane would be my pick.”

Ten Hag is facing increasing scrutiny at United (Getty)

Meanwhile, Ten Hag has labelled speculation about his future “a disgrace” in the wake of his side qualifying for a second successive FA Cup final.

The Dutchman said: “You [the media] made enough [of it] and the question: ‘Is it ­embarrassing?’ No, the reaction from you was ­embarrassing. It is the comments.

“Top football is about results. We made it to a final and we deserved it not only by this game but also the other games.

“We lost control for 20 mins, we also had bad luck [at] 3-2 [with a deflected goal], 3-3 [a questionable penalty].

“Penalties were very good and we made it to the final, it is a huge achievement. Twice, in two years, is magnificent. For me as a manager [at United and Ajax], four cup finals in four years. The comments are a disgrace.”

Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Zinedine Zidane, FA Cup, Thomas Tuchel, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Fan Reactions

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.