Zinedine Zidane is reportedly targeting a major defensive signing if he becomes Manchester United’s new manager. As pressure mounts on Erik ten Hag after United’s poor start, Zidane remains linked with the Old Trafford job.
Manchester United’s performance this season has been below par. They sit 14th in the Premier League table with just eight points from seven games. While Ten Hag is expected to continue through the international break, rumors suggest his position may soon be under threat.
Among potential replacements, Zidane has emerged as a serious contender. Reports indicate that Zidane is interested in returning to management and could step into the Manchester United role. One of his first objectives, according to El Nacional, is to strengthen the defense by signing Jules Kounde.
Zinedine Zidane reportedly views Kounde as a critical addition to United’s defense, which has shown significant vulnerabilities in recent months. Zidane believes Kounde, a versatile French defender, would instantly improve United’s backline. Kounde can play both at center-back and right-back, providing flexibility.
Despite adding Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich this summer, right-back isn’t a pressing need for United. However, central defense remains a problem area, especially with the underperformance of Matthijs de Ligt, another summer recruit. De Ligt has struggled to adapt at United and was recently benched.
Attracting Kounde from Barcelona will not be easy. Barcelona considers Kounde one of their key defenders and views him as “untransferable.” Kounde himself seems committed to Hansi Flick’s project at Barcelona, showing no interest in a move away at this time.
Zinedine Zidane is eyeing a player who has been instrumental for Barcelona since his transfer from Sevilla in 2022. Kounde, 25, has appeared 98 times for the club, scoring four goals. His versatility has seen him shift from center-back to full-back, with all 11 of his appearances this season at right-back. Despite Zidane’s desire, luring Kounde to Manchester might prove challenging given his current standing at Barcelona.
