Zidane, Pochettino & Conte: Manchester United manager search begins

The casting has started for the next Manchester United coach. After the sacking of Jose Mourinho, a number of names have already been linked with the top job at Old Trafford -- although a full time appointment, the club say, will not be made until the summer. The favourite right now is another coach with a Real Madrid past. 

Zinedine Zidane tops the list. He's one of the coaches with the biggest reputation currently out of work and accessible on a contractual level. His three Champions League wins with Madrid have boosted his standing in the game. At the moment, he is on a sabbatical, but he could be return to the game in the summer. Media outlets like The Guardian and the Manchester Evening News say he's one of the more likely options. The bookies also rate his chances highly. 

Also on the list is Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino. The Argentine would fit the club's demands: capable of leading a long-term project, experience in the Premier League and a coach who has Spurs playing good football. The problem is Daniel Levy. The Spurs chairman has Pochettino tied down to a good contract and it will be tough to get him out of London. 

Antonio Conte is another option. The Italian is also without a team and available to sign for a team without a big fee having to be paid. Working against Conte is the fact his style is not to dissimilar to Mourinho's. Other names that have appeared in the media include Juventus' Massimiliano Allegri, Wales' Ryan Giggs and Leonardo Jardim, out of work since leaving Monaco.