Zinedine Zidane is once again the subject of rumors linking him to the managerial role at Manchester United. The French football icon, who last coached Real Madrid, is speculated to be a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag, whose leadership has been under scrutiny due to Manchester United’s poor start to the Premier League season.
Although Zidane has maintained a low profile since his Madrid departure, he hasn’t ruled out a return to coaching, and recent developments have further fueled speculation about his future.
The latest rumors started when Zidane visited the training grounds of Real Betis, where his son, Elyaz, trains. Though this visit appeared to be personal, it sparked speculation about Zidane’s readiness to reenter football management, possibly with a move to the Premier League.
His presence at the training facility has been interpreted by some as a sign that he is preparing for a return to coaching, particularly given Manchester United’s current struggles under Ten Hag.
Manchester United has long admired Zidane, largely due to his extraordinary success at Real Madrid, where he won three consecutive Champions League titles. His calm leadership, tactical skill, and experience managing star players make him an attractive option for the club.
There have been ongoing discussions among United fans and insiders about Zidane potentially taking over if Ten Hag fails to turn the team’s fortunes around.
However, Zidane has previously expressed hesitations about managing in England, primarily citing language barriers. Despite this, he has not fully dismissed the idea of coaching in the Premier League. In a 2022 interview, Zidane remarked, “never say never” when asked about managing in England, which has kept the speculation alive.
It appears that Zidane’s potential appointment is also of interest to Manchester United’s hierarchy, particularly to Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is reportedly open to exploring the possibility of bringing Zidane to Old Trafford.
With mounting pressure on Ten Hag, Zidane’s availability has become even more significant. His proven ability to handle top players and win major titles makes him a top candidate for clubs looking for a new manager.
Whether Zidane will return to management at Manchester United remains uncertain, but his name will likely remain in the conversation as long as the club continues to struggle.
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