Just as anticipated, Manchester United's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday triggered a massive backlash. The Red Devils, despite staging what is arguably their best performance yet in the new season, fell to a 3-0 thumping in their own backyard.
To many, that marked the beginning of the end of Jose Mourinho's reign at the Theatre of Dreams. Already, the Portuguese manager has been subjected to exit speculations for his apparent failed relationship with Paul Pogba and also falling out with his club's hierarchy due to their reluctance to sign the players he wanted. in the transfer window.
The post-match presser of the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur was an eye saw with Mourinho reigniting his feud with media officials and subsequently exiting the premise repeatedly asking them to "respect". A lot of things currently points at Jose's famed "third season syndrome" kicking in but how will he cope this time around?
In any case Manchester United decides to part ways with the special one, here are the top five options the 20-time English champions could consider for the managerial role:
1. Zinedine Zidane
The former Real Madrid manager's name has been in the mix to take over the reins at Old Trafford in recent times. Justifiably so, his reputation precedes him having won three consecutive Champions League titles with Los Blancos as well as the club's first league title in 2017 after missing out in four successive seasons.
Currently unassigned, the former French international's availability is not something to worry about. However, many perceive a move to Manchester United in its current state as a downgrade for Zidane who could have stayed with Real Madrid after his Champions League heroics.
As to whether he will fancy being the chief architect of the rebuilding amid Manchester United's high standard of getting the results week-in-week-out will very much be a personal decision.
2. Michael Carrick
Following the departure of the trusted Rui Faria, Michael Carrick has become the right-hand man of Jose Mourinho. The odds of the former Manchester United skipper taking over from his boss has been slashed as, at the moment, no one knows the club like he does after his 12-year stint.
He has a healthy relationship with his former teammates and he's also loved by the Old Trafford faithful. His appointment may be a massive gamble if the lack of experience is factored in but the idea of at least an interim managerial role is quite laudable if the club does not want to disrupt stability at the camp.
3. Antonio Conte
Another ex-Chelsea manager? Clearly Jose Mourinho, despite his success in the Europa League two seasons ago, is yet to fully justify his appointment and although Antonio Conte boasts a different personality, the idea of both being former employees of the Blues complicates things to some extent.
Nevertheless, the prowess of the Italian manager cannot be undermined although his inability to land a top 4 finish with Chelsea last season facilitated his sack. Technically, he could drive Manchester United to play the attacking football the fans so much crave while keeping it tight at the back as well.
But all that will also require the right personnel and a positivie attitude. In the scope of that, Conte would not be a bad fit for the Red Devils.
4. Leonardo Jardim
The AS Monaco manager since firing his side to a semi-final berth in the UEFA Champions League two season ago has landed himself a spot among Europe's finest managers. As a result, it will not be the most surprising development should he end up on the radar of Manchester United.
For starters, the Portuguese manager may be disgruntled about seeing talents he's nurtured over the years (Kylian Mbappe, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Bernado Silva, Benjamin Mendy, Fabinho, etc.) depart his side when they are about to hit their prime. As such, he could be motivated to seek an opportunity somewhere else he will not be required to build a new team with a fresh set of players every two to three seasons.
With the immense talent and resources of Manchester United at his disposal, Jardim could develop the club to the level they were known at a few years back.
5. Laurent Blanc
Since departing Paris Saint Germain in 2016, Laurent Blanc has not been pictured in any dugout. The French manager in his spell with the Parc des Princes outfit led them to three successive Ligue 1 titles, Coupe de la Ligue and Trophée des Champions as well as two Coupe de France trophies in 2014 and 2015.
As an ex-player of Manchester United, taking over the club could be a unique marriage and could hopefully bring back the glory days.
