Reports suggest that Zinedine Zidane favors the managerial role at Manchester United over Bayern Munich, potentially enhancing Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans for the team’s transformation.
Erik ten Hag, the current manager of Manchester United, is rumored to be considering leaving due to the team’s disappointing performance this season.
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Zidane, a revered figure in French football, is said to be in talks with Bayern Munich about taking over from Thomas Tuchel when the season concludes. Zidane has been without a managerial position since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021.
Despite reports of a nearing agreement with Bayern, it’s believed that Zidane faces several challenges before any potential appointment. L’Equipe indicates that Zidane is more drawn to the prospect of managing at Old Trafford.
With Ratcliffe at the helm, Manchester United is set to undergo extensive changes during the summer. An evaluation of Ten Hag’s performance is anticipated at the season’s end, with the Dutch coach feeling the pressure to deliver better results.
Although Manchester United saw some improvement post-Christmas, their chances of qualifying for the Champions League are slim, trailing 13 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. The FA Cup remains Ten Hag’s sole opportunity for silverware this season.
As the club weighs its options, Zidane’s successful tenure at Real Madrid, marked by three Champions League and two La Liga titles, positions him as a strong contender to succeed Ten Hag if a change is decided.
Nonetheless, Zidane, who is 51, had previously declined the chance to manage Manchester United in 2022, before Ten Hag took over. He cited the language barrier as a potential obstacle to achieving success in Manchester.
“Would I want to go to Manchester [United]? I understand English, but I’m not completely fluent in it,” he said in a 2022 interview.
“I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way. Many elements come into play in order to win, it is a global context. I know what I need to win.”
Zidane emphasized his openness to future coaching opportunities, adopting a “never say never” attitude due to the scarcity of coaching positions compared to playing roles. He expressed that for him to commit to a club, the circumstances must be ideal to ensure triumphs.
“Never say never, especially when you are a coach today,” Zidane added. “When I was a player, I had the choice, almost all the clubs. Coach, there aren’t fifty clubs I can go to. If I go to a club, it is to win. I say this with all modesty. That’s why I can’t go anywhere.”
