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Man United put Premier League man high on shortlist to replace Jose Mourinho

Ed Woodward favours Argentine over Zinedine Zidane as some board members feel that at Real, the circumstances were entirely different for the French legend

MAURICIO POCHETTINO is Ed Woodward’s preferred choice over Zinedine Zidane to replace Jose Mourinho at Manchester United.

The Red Devils’ vice executive-chairman faces a huge decision over the manager’s job with the Portuguese overseeing the club’s worst start to a season in 29 years.

Mauricio Pochettino is Manchester United's preferred choice to replace Jose Mourinho

PA:Empics Sport
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Mauricio Pochettino is Manchester United’s preferred choice to replace Jose Mourinho

Mourinho could be axed by the Red Devils if they don't defeat Newcastle on Saturday

PA:Press Association
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Mourinho could be axed by the Red Devils if they don’t beat Newcastle on Saturday

Speculation is rife that anything but a victory over Newcastle on Saturday will lead to Mourinho being axed.


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And The Independent are reporting Tottenham boss Poch is the man who Woodward wants to turn to.

Ex-Real Madrid man Zidane, who phoned Mourinho to reassure him he was not already in talks with United, is the favourite for the job.

The French legend is a free agent following his exit from the Bernabeu in May just days after leading the Galacticos to a third-successive Champions League crown.

Zinedine Zidane was the favourite to become Manchester United's new boss

AFP
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Zinedine Zidane was the favourite to become Manchester United’s new boss

Ed Woodward has some big decisions to make over the club's future

PA:Press Association
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Ed Woodward has some big decisions to make over the club’s future

But despite his availability, Woodward is allegedly leaning towards a swoop for Argentine Pochettino with United’s board supposedly having doubts over Zidane.

They feel the circumstances in Madrid were entirely different to Old Trafford, with the 1998 World Cup winner already having a star-studded squad to work with after replacing Rafa Benitez in January 2016.

A number of United’s players, and arguably their two biggest stars Paul Pogba and Alexis Sanchez, are in dire form.

Any move for Pochettino would be fiercely fought off by Spurs, who gave him a pay rise and a new contract in the summer.


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