Manchester United could still name Zinedine Zidane as their next manager.
The Real Madrid icon has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent days amid the club’s woes under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. And if he rocks up at Old Trafford, it’s feasible he’ll get transfer backing from the Glazers.
United had high expectations for the current campaign after snapping up Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Cristiano Ronaldo during the summer transfer window.
However, the Red Devils are stuck in a rut under Solskjaer having lost six of their last 12 matches.
For now, Joel Glazer is holding fire when it comes to relieving the Norwegian of his duties.
Yet links to Zidane have arisen in recent times and, with Solskjaer toiling, the Frenchman would be a world-class replacement.
According to Express Sport below is how United would line up under Zidane, in his favoured 4-3-3 system, while also adding a new right-back and central midfielder to their ranks.
Goalkeeper: De Gea
At the start of the campaign, David De Gea had a point to prove.
He was infuriatingly inconsistent for United last term, at one point losing his place in the starting XI to Dean Henderson.
However, while United have been poor, De Gea has been a shining light.
The 31-year-old has been back to his best this term, proceeding memorable showings against the likes of West Ham, Wolves and Southampton.
And given Zidane once tried to sign De Gea for Madrid, it’s likely he’d stick with the experienced Spaniard between the sticks.
Defence: Trippier, Varane, Lindelof, Shaw
United have seen Aaron Wan-Bissaka struggle this term, with the former Crystal Palace star singled out for criticism by fans and pundits alike.
And with the right-back struggling, it’s possible the Red Devils will go in for Kieran Trippier.
Trippier’s experience and prowess on the ball would make him a good signing for United, especially given how Wan-Bissaka pales in comparison from an offensive point of view.
Should Zidane take charge, he could sign Trippier and deploy Luke Shaw on the opposite side.
And the Frenchman may also demote Harry Maguire to the bench and go with Victor Lindelof given the England international’s dire form in recent weeks.
Midfield: Rice, Fernandes, Pogba
United need a defensive-midfielder, with the likes of Fred and Scott McTominay not good enough.
And, should they hire Zidane, the board could back the Frenchman by spending big on West Ham star Declan Rice.
Zidane often used Casemiro during his time in Spain and Rice, as a combative midfielder who is good on the ball, would be a good player to pursue.
If United hired the 49-year-old, Paul Pogba could also stay.
And that would allow the club to play Pogba alongside Bruno Fernandes, with Rice sitting back to protect the defence.
Forwards: Greenwood, Ronaldo, Rashford
United’s attacking options are so good it’s tricky to predict who Zidane would deploy.
But, on current form, a trio of Mason Greenwood, Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford may be the way to go.
Greenwood started the season in fine form and, under a new manager, may experience an upturn in fortunes.
Rashford has scored three times since returning from injury, with the England international now fully firing again after shoulder problems.
And, up top, Zidane would almost certainly go with Ronaldo for most matches.
It could be that way