Zinedine Zidane has already made it clear whether he’s interested in the Manchester United job.
Following Manchester United’s dismal 3-0 loss to Manchester City at Old Trafford, pressure has intensified on Erik ten Hag.
The defeat, described by Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards as “a footballing lesson,” means that United have suffered five losses in their first ten Premier League games and are currently in eighth place, nine points behind City.
Reports earlier this week suggested that if United decides to part ways with Ten Hag, the favorite to take the reins at Old Trafford is former Real Madrid manager Zidane. Zidane, a World Cup, European Championship, and Champions League winner during his playing days, also secured three consecutive Champions League titles during his tenure as Real Madrid manager.
However, Zidane has been without a job since concluding his second stint as Real Madrid boss in the summer of 2021. He mentioned in 2022 that his personal ambitions limit his options for coaching roles.
Furthermore, language barriers have prevented him from being a serious contender for high-profile positions in the Premier League, such as the United job.
In an interview with L’Equipe, Zidane stated: “When I was a player, I could choose almost any club. As a coach, I don’t have 50 clubs to choose from; there are only two or three possibilities.
If I return to a club, it’s with the goal of winning. I say this with all humility. That’s why I can’t go anywhere.”
He also pointed out that various factors, including language barriers, influence his choices: “When people ask me if I want to go to Manchester, I understand English, but I don’t fully master it.
I know there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work differently. To win, many elements come into play. It’s a comprehensive context, and I know what it takes to win.”