Zinedine Zidane could sign Real Madrid star to replace Jadon Sancho if he takes over at Man Utd

Zinedine Zidane could bring a Real Madrid star to Manchester United as a Jadon Sancho replacement if he takes over from Erik ten Hag.

Zidane has been installed as the favourite to replace Ten Hag at the helm, if he departs, amid growing pressure on the Dutchman following a series of poor results.

Sancho, for his part, is expected to leave in January after being effectively frozen out following a public dispute with his manager.

United are currently bottom of their Champions League group after just one win from four games. They suffered a shock 4-3 defeat at Danish giants Copenhagen on Wednesday, having been 2-0 up before Marcus Rashford was shown a straight red card.

Zidane has been out of management since ending his second spell at Real in 2021, and his appointment at United would represent his first experience of the Premier League as a player or manager.

One player who could benefit if the Frenchman arrives would be Raphael Varane, with the legendary midfielder twice playing a major role in ensuring he chose Real over United when signing for the Spanish giants and agreeing to a new deal in 2019.

Zidane has plenty of allies still at the Bernabeu from both of his spells in charge as well.

One of those players is forward Rodrygo, who the Frenchman praised after he scored his first senior hat-trick during a Champions League tie against Galatasaray in 2019.

He said (quotes via Daily Mail): "We are happy for him because in the end, when he gets the chance to play he plays well, and he did so again tonight.

"He plays well in every sense. We know his qualities in attack well, but he also works hard in defence and helps out with a lot."

Rodrygo was heavily linked with Liverpool earlier in the year, with Spanish outlet Fichajes claiming that Real were willing to sell him if a bid of €100 million was submitted by an interested club.

The Brazilian signed a new contract with Real earlier this month, committing him to the Bernabeu until 2028.

Critically, he has a new release clause standing at a whopping €1 billion - but a reunion with Zidane, especially if Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti departs next summer, might convince Rodrygo to consider a move to Old Trafford if a big offer is submitted.