What Zinedine Zidane has said about managing Man Utd
- Reports in France have named Zidane as the "dream" target to replace Erik ten Hag as Man Utd manager
- Zidane has previously explained his reluctance towards working in England
- A move to Serie A appeals to the former Real Madrid boss
By Tom Gott
Zinedine Zidane has previously played down suggestions he could manage in the Premier League amid reports he could be offered the chance to take control at Manchester United.
Reports in France named Zidane, who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, as the "dream" hire for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS at Manchester United, where current boss Erik ten Hag find himself under immense pressure.
This is by no means the first time Zidane has been linked with United. Indeed, before Ten Hag arrived, Zidane was touted as a serious candidate but a move to Old Trafford never materialised.
Discussing his reluctance to manage in the Premier League with L'Equipe in 2022, Zidane highlighted his inability to speak fluent English as a main factor.
"Never say never," he began. "Especially when you are a coach today.
"If I go back to a club, it is to win. I say this with all modesty. That's why I can't just go anywhere. For other reasons, too.
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"Certain conditions make things more difficult. When someone says to me, 'Do you want to go to Manchester [United]?'... 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 global context. I know what I need to win. Of course, I might not always win, but I know that you need to have this, this and this. And I want to do everything on my side to optimise my chances of victory."
More recently, Zidane suggested his would be interested in a move to Serie A, where he spent five years with Juventus before his switch to Real Madrid in 2001.
As for United, Ten Hag has repeatedly stressed he feels he is backed by Ratcliffe and INEOS. The Dutchman is under contract at Old Trafford until the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
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