This week the English and Belgian media both reported that Thierry Henry was expected to leave his job with the Red Devils national team and take up a challenge managing Aston Villa.
All that was needed was for Steve Bruce to be kicked out of his seat and then the Arsenal legend could take over and lead the club towards the Premier League.
It was all worked out.
Wednesday saw that idea shelved, at least for the moment, when Aston Villa announced Bruce would be continuing to manage the Championship side.
Thursday’s edition of L’Equipe suggests negative reaction to the potential switch is one of the reasons it hasn’t happened.
Whilst claims Henry would take over were ‘credible enough’, Aston Villa first had to sack Bruce and he ‘has some credit with the fans’ after getting so close to promotion last season.
Bruce’s own reaction of shock to the rumours is cited, and L’Equipe then adds fans played a part: ‘On social media, many supporters of the club recalled that never had a Frenchman managed to shine there, as well as players (from Didier Six to Jordan Veretout) there were coaches (Rémi Garde had made a lightning passage in 2015-2016). Combined with Henry’s lack of experience, these arguments have visibly prompted Aston Villa owners to change their minds.’
