'Zidane the ideal candidate to replace Mourinho at Man Utd' - Sharpe

Zinedine Zidane would be “the ideal candidate” to take the reins at Manchester United, says Lee Sharpe, with Jose Mourinho now “on trial again”.

Discontent at Old Trafford has sparked talk that a managerial change could soon be on the way, with divides forming inside the camp from the boardroom to the playing field.

Sharpe, as a former Red Devils star, has already stated that he expects Mourinho to be gone before Christmas, with the Portuguese cutting a frustrated figure as he struggles to inspire his troops.

The former Chelsea boss is now being accused of lacking direction, with those working under a proven performer unaware of what is expected from a coach having “a bit of a sulk”.

Sharpe told talkSPORT: “Mourinho is on trial again.

“He’s never looked happy since he’s been at the club.

“There just seems to be no plan at Man United. Nobody seems to know where they should be going and what they should be doing.

“I’ve heard a little whisper to say the manager is not really giving them a lot of instruction before games. He’s just picking the team and letting them get on with it.

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“It seems to me that he hasn’t got the players in that he wanted this summner, and he’s gone into a bit of a sulk. He’s just let the players crack on and do their own thing.

“When you’re moping around, moaning about who you haven’t been able to sign and about the lack of players you have, instead of bigging up the players you already have and filling them with confidence, I don’t think it’s good for team morale.”

If Sharpe’s prediction regarding Mourinho’s future is to prove correct, then the ex-England international believes a man who walked away from Real Madrid over the summer – having led them to three Champions League crowns and the Liga title – would be a shrewd appointment.

He added: “I think Zidane would be the ideal candidate.

“He’s played at the highest level, managed at the highest level and has been successful at both.

“He’s a big enough name who could cope with the pressure and the questions asked of managing a club of that size so I think he would be ideal.”