Monaco & Aston Villa target Henry backed to become a manager by Meunier

Belgium full-back Thomas Meunier believes it is time for Thierry Henry to make the transition into management.

Henry had held talks with Aston Villa with a view to becoming the manager with his long-time playing rival John Terry coming in as his assistant following Steve Bruce’s sacking.

However, that interest has now cooled amid reports that Monaco would be his preferred destination if Leonardo Jardim is to depart after Henry’s former club’s poor start to the season.

The former Arsenal striker has spent the past two years under Roberto Martinez as the assistant manager of the Belgium national team.

The Red Devils reached the World Cup semi-finals in the summer, and Paris Saint-Germain defender Meunier has praised the Frenchman’s coaching ability.

"He was a player and he has an advantage on the other coaches who didn't get a professional career,” said Meunier.

"Psychologically he knows what to do. He knows how to speak to the players.

"For me, maybe it is the moment for him to take the step forwards and engage himself in a club. I think he has the capacity to do it and hope he will as soon as possible."

Henry also worked as a pundit for Sky Sports until he left this summer to focus on his coaching career and he appears to be edging closer to his first managerial role.

Meunier has been impressed when he has worked with Henry, who was strongly linked with taking over the coaching position at Bordeaux earlier in the season.

"It would be just fantastic for Ligue 1," said Meunier at the time of the interest.

"We know he's highly competent. He brought something very nice, very positive to the national team. People like him, like Zidane, don't need to force anything: people listen to them immediately. They have had a good career, and that works in their favour."