Zinedine Zidane has emerged as one of the potential candidates on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s list to replace Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, should the Dutchman face the sack. Despite Zidane previously turning down the opportunity to manage the Red Devils, speculation suggests the club may revisit the French legend as pressure mounts on Ten Hag.
Zidane, 52, has been out of management since departing Real Madrid in 2021, with rumors frequently linking him to the United role. After a rocky start to the Premier League season, with Manchester United losing two of their first three matches, including a crushing 3-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool, Ten Hag’s future has come under intense scrutiny.
As Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is expected to take a significant ownership stake in the club, explores managerial options, Zidane’s name is reportedly under consideration. The Frenchman, a World Cup winner in 1998, was approached by United in 2021 following the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, Zidane declined the role at the time, citing concerns over language barriers and his management style.
In an interview with L’Equipe, Zidane explained his decision: “Would I want to go to Manchester [United]? I understand English, but I’m not completely fluent in it. 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.”
While it remains unclear if Zidane’s stance has shifted since then, reports from France indicate he was interested in the United job earlier this year before Ten Hag’s contract was extended. Zidane’s proven track record of success at Real Madrid, where he won multiple Champions League titles, has kept him in the conversation for elite managerial roles.
Other potential candidates include former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, who was linked with the Manchester United job after his departure from Bayern Munich last season. Though negotiations reportedly progressed, Ten Hag ultimately retained his position. Tuchel, who remains without a club, could once again be in the running if United decide to part ways with the current manager.
In addition, Graham Potter, Tuchel’s successor at Chelsea, and ex-England manager Gareth Southgate are also reportedly admired by Ratcliffe and could be considered as replacements.
As United’s struggles on the pitch continue, speculation over managerial changes will likely intensify, with Zidane’s availability and potential interest being a key factor to watch in the coming weeks.
