Once again, Zinedine Zidane finds himself at the center of rumors linking him to the managerial position at Manchester United. The French football legend, who has been absent from management since completing his second tenure at Real Madrid, is reportedly being considered as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag, who is struggling to steer the Red Devils through their disappointing start to the Premier League season. Zidane, while having kept a low profile since his exit from Madrid, has not completely ruled out a return to coaching, and recent events have only intensified speculation about his future.
The latest round of rumors was sparked after Zidane made a visit to Real Betis’ training grounds, where his son, Elyaz, currently trains. While this visit may seem like a personal one on the surface, it has reignited whispers of Zidane’s readiness to return to the world of football management, particularly with a move to the Premier League. His presence at a professional training facility, even as a father supporting his son, has been seen by some as a sign that Zidane is slowly positioning himself for a return to the dugout. The timing of this appearance, with Manchester United struggling under Ten Hag’s leadership, has only added fuel to the fire.
Manchester United have long admired Zidane. His unparalleled success at Real Madrid, where he led the club to three consecutive Champions League titles, has made him a name that carries immense respect and admiration in football circles. Fans and insiders at Old Trafford have often discussed him as the ideal candidate to take over the reins, should Ten Hag fail to turn things around. Zidane’s calm demeanor, combined with his tactical acumen and ability to manage star-studded squads, makes him an appealing option for a club of United’s stature, particularly in their time of need.
However, Zidane himself has previously hinted at reservations about managing in England, primarily citing language barriers as a potential hurdle. Despite these concerns, Zidane has never fully closed the door on the possibility of managing in the Premier League. In a 2022 interview with L’Equipe, he famously said, “never say never,” when asked about his future in England. This ambiguous statement has continued to fuel speculation, as it suggests that Zidane might be open to taking on a challenge outside of his native France and the familiar surroundings of La Liga.
Beyond fan excitement, it appears that the interest in Zidane extends to Manchester United’s hierarchy. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a major figure at the club, is reportedly keen on exploring the possibility of bringing Zidane to Old Trafford. Ratcliffe, along with other decision-makers at the club, may view Zidane as the ideal candidate to restore the team to its former glory. United’s struggles under Ten Hag, coupled with the pressure mounting from supporters and pundits alike, make the potential appointment of Zidane a tantalizing option for a club in desperate need of stability and success.
As the season progresses, the scrutiny on Erik ten Hag will only intensify. Manchester United’s start to the campaign has been far from impressive, with inconsistent performances and mounting criticism of the Dutch manager’s tactics. If the team’s fortunes do not improve, the clamor for a managerial change could grow louder, making Zidane’s availability all the more significant. His track record of handling big-name players, winning titles, and commanding respect from his squads places him at the top of the list for any major club seeking a new manager.
Whether or not Zidane will make his long-awaited managerial comeback at Manchester United remains a question that looms over Old Trafford. The idea of Zidane standing on the touchline at the Theatre of Dreams is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for fans who yearn for a return to the glory days. For now, it remains to be seen whether Manchester United will take the bold step of pursuing the Frenchman or if Ten Hag can weather the storm and hold onto his position. What is clear, however, is that Zidane’s name will continue to be mentioned whenever a managerial vacancy arises at one of Europe’s elite clubs.