Cristiano Ronaldo has recommended Zinedine Zidane to Manchester United’s hierarchy as a potential replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to reports in Spain.

Solskjaer has come under increased pressure at Old Trafford following United’s 4-2 defeat to Leicester City on Saturday, which has left them without a win in their last three Premier League games.

It’s understood that United’s hierarchy are giving their full backing to Solskjaer and are confident the 48-year-old, who signed a three-year contract in July, will improve the team’s performances.

But according to El Chiringuito, United have been considering their options and have identified Zidane as a possible candidate following a recommendation from Ronaldo.

The report claims that Zidane has spoken with United’s hierarchy but declined a potential move to Old Trafford as he wants to become France’s new head coach after Didier Deschamps.

It’s also claimed that Zidane has been approached by Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United but the former Real Madrid boss turned down both clubs.

United now embark on a difficult run of games in the Premier League as they face Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea within the next five weeks.

But Rio Ferdinand believes Solskjaer will be given the full season to prove he is the right man for United.

‘There’s been gradual improvement every year he’s been here and the squad shape and the mould of the squad looks better than when he took over, that’s all perfect,” Ferdinand said on his Vibe with Five show.

“This season now is Ole’s squad. This season he will be judged. He’s got to go and win something and show improvement again. I think if he doesn’t, he’s going to be on a chopping board.

“But I don’t think the club will have a knee-jerk reaction now. He’s done enough to warrant finishing this season and then see where you are. I think that’s what will be the case. There will be people saying, ‘get rid of him now’, that’s the culture today.

‘I think he will get to the end of this season and then it will be a cut-throat decision. Either… ‘yes, you’ve done well enough to stay again, you’ve stabilised what we’re doing and we’re on that journey still to where we want to get to’.

“Or… ‘we’re now further away than we were before, you’ve regressed, thank you very much, see you later,” he said.

(Agency Report)

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