Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Alex Ferguson’s contract terminated as Zinedine Zidane backed for move

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Manchester United are back in action this week after returning from international duty.

The Red Devils take on Brentford at Old Trafford this weekend and will be keen for a positive result after a turbulent few weeks. Erik ten Hag has been at the heart of things, with his job in huge question.

There were suggestions that the Dutchman could have been sacked after a rotten run of form but Sir Jim Ratcliffe has given him a stay of execution for the time being.

That could all change with another negative result against Brentford though. Ahead of the weekend’s game, take a look at the standout headlines from the past 24 hours from Old Trafford

Sir Alex contract terminated

Legendary former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has seen his deal with the club sensationally terminated by Jim Ratcliffe. The 82-year-old left his role at the club in 2013 after 26 years but quickly took up a global ambassador position at Old Trafford.

That agreement was reportedly worth around £2million per season. But in a meeting with Ratcliffe, Ferguson was told he would no longer be paid as INEOS try to continue cutting costs.

The meeting was apparently amicable between the two parties and there is no issue between Ferguson and the Red Devils. The legendary Scot also remains as a non-executive director.

Zidane backed for move

From one former United boss to a potential future one, the Red Devils have been urged to make a move for former Real Madrid tactician Zinedine Zidane. And Emmanuel Petit has now told the club what they need to do to make the move happen.

“I’m not sure that he speaks very good English as well. And communication is very important in the dressing room. Honestly, I know a little bit, Zizou [Zidane], and he needs to get guarantees if he wants to sign over there in Manchester United,” Petit told the Manchester Evening News.

“At the moment, the environment at Manchester United for years has not been good. The stability of the bench, the level of the players as well, the expectation of the club is not the same that it used to be. United is still a huge club, but not on the pitch anymore.

“And Zizou is very conscious and very careful about that, the quality of the players. At the moment, when you look at the team, I’m not convinced at all about the level of some players. If he takes the job at Manchester United, that means he’s got solutions.”

Zinedine Zidane
Manchester United have been told to appoint Zinedine Zidane

Hojlund injury update

United look set to be able to call upon Rasmus Hojlund this weekend after being offered an update on the striker’s fitness. There were worries after the Dane did not join his international teammates for an open recovery season after Denmark’s 1-0 defeat to Spain.

However, he then returned to training on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s showdown with Switzerland. Hojlund has made just five appearances for the Red Devils so far this season, scoring once in the 3-3 Europa League draw with Porto.

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