Ally McCoist surprised Manchester United are not pursuing Zinedine Zidane

Manchester United are missing a trick by overlooking Zinedine Zidane in their search for a new manager as the former Real Madrid boss has all the tools to succeed at Old Trafford, according to Ally McCoist.

United have reportedly drawn up a four-man shortlist to replace interim manager Ralf Rangnick in the summer, which includes Erik Ten Hag of Ajax and Paris Saint-Germain’s Mauricio Pochettino but does not feature Zidane. 

Ten Hag conducted his interview with United earlier this week, as reported by Sportsmail, and is believed to be a prime candidate for the job.

Zidane, who won three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018, left Real for a second time in May of last year – and McCoist is baffled the former France international has not been considered to take over at United.  

Ally McCoist has expressed surprise United have not considered appointing Zidane

‘The one name I haven’t heard anything from is Zidane,’ McCoist said on talkSPORT.

‘Clearly, the one thing he can do and do on a regular basis is win the Champions League. He’s proved that. He did it three times with Real Madrid.

‘He can handle big players and big pressure and a big situation at a massive club so I’m not sure why he isn’t in the running at all. Unless he’s ruled himself out?’

Zidane has been linked with United on several occasions in the past but has believed to be reluctant to take on a project midway through a campaign.

Former United striker Louis Saha has voiced his support for the 48-year-old, who resigned as manager of Real after the Spanish giants failed to win a trophy last season, taking the job at Old Trafford.  

‘I would like to see Zidane appointed in the summer,’ Saha said.

United are seeking a new manager to replace interim boss Ralf Rangnick

Erik Ten Hag is believed to be the favourite to take over at Old Trafford in the summer

‘He’s such a big figure and there’s no question about the respect he will receive. He’ll have the time to get things in order. The guy’s won Champions Leagues for fun.

‘And he wasn’t helped by (Real) Madrid being the toughest position for a manager. Everyone can recognise that the Spanish league is very hard.

‘I really think he has all the tools but whether he will go to United I’m not sure.’

The size of the task at United will not be lost on any of the names that are under consideration to be the club’s first permanent manager since Ole Gunnar Solskjær was sacked in November.

The Red Devils will end the season without a trophy and are facing an uphill task in their bid to qualify for the Champions League.

United are sixth in the Premier League, four points behind Arsenal in fourth, and the Gunners have a game in hand.