MONACO - MAY 03: Former footballer Thierry Henry is pictured prior to the UEFA Champions League Semi Final first leg match between AS Monaco v Juventus at Stade Louis II on May 3, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Why aren’t Manchester United looking into Thierry Henry?
This may be controversial and completely out there, but somebody has to ask the question to the Manchester United board.
Thierry Henry. Perhaps the best striker in the Premier League’s history. The Frenchman is known as a legend around North London, but he’s also become quite popular with the Manchester United fans in recent seasons. His work with Sky Sports as a pundit landed him many interviews with the Frenchmen at Old Trafford, and he shown his professional attitude.
Now, the biggest betrayal for Arsenal fans would be if he were to manage United. Thankfully, he would never. At least not right now, anyway. It looks like he is the favourite to land the Aston Villa job, according to Express and Star.
But this question is one for the United board, rather than Henry. Why did they not even consider pursuing him as a manager?
You’re probably reading that and thinking duh, his only experience is with the Belgian national team. And my response to that is simple – so what? Zinedine Zidane had no experience when he took over at Real Madrid, and he went on to win three consecutive Champions League trophies.
Besides, we’ve seen just how well the Belgian national team reacted to having him as assistant coach. Naturally, the strikers benefited most. Eden Hazard is looking like the best player in Europe right now, Romelu Lukaku looks to continue his growth, and Belgium obviously reached the semi-final of this year’s World Cup. Just imagine what he could bring to the table at United.
There’s also the loyalty element, of course. I can’t dispute that as an Arsenal fan. But it wouldn’t have hurt United to try. What’s the worst he’s going to do? Say no?
Obviously, I’m glad Manchester United didn’t pursue Henry. Many Arsenal fans are excited to see him embark on his new adventure into managerial football. It didn’t work out for him on this front at Arsenal, as he chose to take up punditry instead of returning to work under Arsene Wenger.
As for Manchester United, they may feel like it’s best to stick with Jose Mourinho now. It doesn’t look likely that Zidane will join the club, with the Frenchman’s agent speaking out and ruling out a move to England.
Would you have taken Thierry Henry at Manchester United, given all he achieved with Arsenal?
