Zinedine Zidane comments after Thomas Tuchel left him red-faced sums up Man United take

Zinedine Zidane's gushing praise over Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea side may leave Manchester United fans wondering what might have been.

The 52-year-old German has been announced as England's new manager, not long after being repeatedly linked with the Old Trafford hot seat. While Tuchel's temperament and ability to manage big personalities have been questioned repeatedly, few can argue with his tactical nous.

Zidane witnessed his acumen first-hand when his Real Madrid side were beaten by Tuchel's Chelsea over two legs in the 2021 Champions League semi-final. Considering Zidane's post-match comments on the Blues, the Frenchman may be thinking United missed a trick in not appointing him.

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Chelsea secured a 1-1 draw in the Spanish capital before outclassing Real with goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount at Stamford Bridge. Zidane had no answer to Tuchel's tactics and motivational skills and was not afraid to admit it to the cameras after the match.

He said: "They were superior, they deserved to win. They were more effective over the course of the match, they had a lot of chances too. Over the course of the two matches, they deserve the qualification. These are matches of a very high level, [and] we missed something tonight. It is not about organisation, even though in the duels it was difficult.

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"But anyway, I have said that, but I remain very proud of my players. The path they have achieved with the difficulties that we have experienced. We have to congratulate ourselves for getting here. We were one match away from the final. But tonight they were better."

Tuchel's tactical prowess would result in a commendable 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League final. When asked about facing Tuchel, Guardiola was equally impressed with the ex-Borussia Dortmund manager.

"He's so creative. [He is] one of the few managers I learn constantly from to develop as a better manager. [He is] excellent in all departments," said the Barca boss.

"I enjoyed him since he was in Mainz. I enjoy watching his teams and the way he's playing and the approach. He makes world football better. When you find a manager who always wants to be positive in the way they play, it's good."

Tuchel will start work with the Three Lions in 2025. Lee Carsley will remain in charge as interim manager for the final two Nations League games against Ireland and Greece.

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