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#1 Leonardo Jardim
The Portuguese was relieved of his post after a sticky start to the 2018-19 season with Monaco. Having led Monaco to the league title in 2016-17, Jardim certainly comes with the title-winning mentality.
The Portuguese is popular for playing an expansive brand of football, with his sides displaying imagination with the ball. However, they aren’t too shabby without the ball as well. The Portuguese usually deploys a holding midfielder and presses high up the field to nullify the opposition’s threat.
If Jardim comes through the Old Trafford door, he would surely bring back the attacking football that United fans demand. Moreover, he is a very ‘un-controversial’ figure and would rarely have any run-ins with the media.
Yet, his biggest asset could be his ability to develop youngsters from within and make them world beaters. For years, Manchester United have prided themselves on bringing players through their academy with the most famous rendition being their ‘Class of ‘92’. However, over the years, since Fergie’s departure, the club’s managers have seemed to rely on ready-made players from abroad.
With each of the managers’ signings not quite working out, a case could be made for someone to be in charge who only goes shopping when absolutely essential.
Make no mistake about it: United still boast of some wonderful talents. On their days, Lukaku and Pogba are impossible to stop whereas the likes of Martial and Rashford can dazzle in the offensive third.
Tactically as well, Jardim’s system would allow the likes of Pogba, Martial and Sanchez to spend more time in the final third, thus increasing their output.
Though he may still have to buy a centre-back, with his track record, you wouldn’t bet against him getting the best out of the likes of Bailly and Lindelof.
For long, the Old Trafford outfit has prioritised star names over people who can actually set them on an upward curve.
Though Jardim might not be the biggest name doing the rounds for the United hot-seat, he could be exactly what they need currently.
After the turbulent tenure of Jose, maybe what United require is someone diametrically opposite and Jardim could just be that man.
