Zinedine Zidane has re-emerged as a possible candidate for the Manchester United managerial position, following his recent appearance at a Real Betis training session. This development comes amid increasing pressure on Erik ten Hag, who is struggling with Manchester Unitedโs poor start to the season. The Dutch manager’s position has come under scrutiny after a heavy 3-0 defeat to Liverpool, leading to speculation that the clubโs leadership might be exploring alternative options.
Since leaving his role at Real Madrid in May 2021, Zidane has remained without a managerial position. He has been linked with several prominent roles, including positions at Bayern Munich and national teams such as the United States, Brazil, and Algeria. Despite these opportunities, Zidane has been patient, waiting for the right chance to return to coaching.
In a recent interview, Zidane hinted at a potential comeback, expressing openness to the idea. โWhy not, anything is possible,โ he said regarding his future in football. โFor now, Iโm involved in other projects, but weโll see what happens. I would definitely be interested in returning to the bench.โ Zidaneโs remarks indicate that he is selective about the roles he considers, preferring opportunities that align with his high standards and vision.
Manchester Unitedโs new leadership, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team, is reportedly evaluating various managerial candidates should Ten Hagโs performance continue to decline. Names such as Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter, and Gareth Southgate have been considered in the past. Zidaneโs recent visit to a training session has fueled speculation that he could be a serious contender if the situation at Old Trafford worsens.
Zidaneโs impressive track record, including two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions League wins with Real Madrid, adds weight to the rumors linking him with Manchester United. His experience and success make him an attractive option for a club seeking to instill a winning mentality and manage high expectations.
Though Zidaneโs next move remains uncertain, his public statements and recent activities suggest he is preparing for a return to management soon. His visit to Real Betis could indicate he is staying engaged with football while waiting for the ideal opportunity. This speculation about his future only adds to the intrigue surrounding his next career step.
For Manchester United, the prospect of hiring Zidane could be both exciting and transformative. His experience and authority could help guide the club back to success, and his global profile might attract top talent. However, whether Zidane will join Manchester United depends on Ten Hagโs ability to turn things around and Zidaneโs willingness to take on such a high-pressure role.
In summary, while Zidaneโs future is still uncertain, the growing connection to Manchester United is noteworthy. With the club facing challenges and speculation about Ten Hagโs future, Zidaneโs name will likely continue to surface as a potential successor. Regardless of the outcome, Zidaneโs next move is expected to be a significant event in the footballing world as he prepares for a possible return to management.