Manchester United have been linked with the managerial swoop for Zinedine Zidane and the French icon has finally spoken out about his potential next move
Zinedine Zidane has been linked with Manchester United(Image: Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images))
Real Madrid icon and Champions League-winning manager Zinedine Zidane says he has plans to manage France in the future, following links over a move to Manchester United. The Frenchman had been mentioned as a possible candidate to replace Ruben Amorim after the Portuguese head coach endured a difficult start to the season.
Pressure has eased on the former Sporting CP manager after a much-needed win over Sunderland on the eve of the international break. United find themselves 10th in the Premier League and return to top-flight action against the defending champions, Liverpool, who have lost their last three.
Zidane has been linked with the Old Trafford post for a number of seasons following a string of vacancies but United have opted for the likes of Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag and Amorim. Uncertainty still lingers surrounding the future of Amorim and Zidane has been tipped to succeed the tactician, despite being out of the dugout since 2021.
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However, his recent declaration paints a worrying picture for United supporters wanting the iconic midfielder at the helm as he reiterated his love for the Italian giants, but first he has plans to manage France.
“I will return, definitely,” he said. “I don’t know.
“It hasn’t happened before, I’ve made other choices. Juve will always remain in my heart, it gave me a lot from the beginning when I went there.
“As for the future, I don’t know. My feeling is that I would like to coach the national team in the future — not necessarily now, but one day, yes.”
Didier Deschamps’ contract with the French national team will expire after the 2026 World Cup and the successful national team manager has already signalled his desire to leave his post, posing a further road block in place for Zidane’s chance to take charge of United.
“In 2026 it will be over,” Deschamps told the French TV channel TF1. “In my head it’s very clear. I’ve done my time, with the same desire and passion to maintain France at the highest level but 2026 is [a] very good [time to stop].
“One has to be able to say stop, there’s a life after this. The most important [thing] is for France to stay at the top as they have been for many years.”
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