Zinedine Zidane’s name continues to crop up whenever a Manchester United manager is under pressure, but the French legend has already made his feelings clear.
Whenever a Manchester United manager is on shaky ground, two legendary words pop up – Zinedine Zidane.
The France and Real Madrid icon has been linked with United numerous times over the years, towards the end of Jose Mourinho’s tenure, after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer got the chop and now, albeit more loosely, with Erik ten Hag clinging onto his job following a torrid start to the season.
Whenever a job at an elite-level club comes up – or is close to being available – Zidane’s name is usually chucked into the frame. The closest he has come to joining United was following Solskjaer’s dismissal, only for the World Cup and Euros winner to rule himself out.
Reports in France suggest he is being lined up to replace Didier Deschamps as his nation’s boss. Given Deschamps has won the World Cup as both a player and manager, appointing a figure of Zidane’s standing would make sense.
However, according to French outlet RMC, Deschamps isn’t planning to step down soon as he is eager to avoid Zidane trampling over his legacy. Therefore, United may have a free shot at Zidane should Ten Hag be let go in the coming weeks.
However, Zidane and his agent’s previous remarks about United and English football in general suggest the finest player of his generation won’t be setting foot in the home dugout at Old Trafford anytime soon.
