Zinedine Zidane would only join Manchester United if two conditions were met, according to a former teammate.
Although Zidane, 53, has been speculatively linked to the position of Man United head coach for a while, Ruben Amorim is still in charge of the Red Devils despite a difficult start to life at Old Trafford.
In his 29 Premier League games as manager, the Portuguese has only managed to accumulate 28 points; Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage against Fulham was the most recent setback.
After two games, the Red Devils sit 16th in the 2025–26 Premier League after earning their first point thanks to the draw.
And even though Amorim’s team has added four players—Benjamin Sesko, Diego Leon, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo—they haven’t looked any better than they did in the previous season, when they lost to Spurs in the Europa League final and ended 15th in the Premier League.
And despite his team’s continuously subpar performances and outcomes, Amorim’s position seems secure for the time being at least.
However, Amorim’s position may be in jeopardy if outcomes don’t improve quickly.
The current favorites to take over as Man United’s next manager are a number of individuals, including former England manager Gareth Southgate and Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner.
Zidane, who is unemployed, is tied for fifth place with Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery and Fulham manager Marco Silva.
And according to former France colleague Emmanuel Petit, “Zizou” would need to fulfill two requirements if he were to take over United.
“I’m not sure that he speaks very good English as well,” Petit stated in 2024. Additionally, it’s critical to communicate in the dressing room.
“To be honest, I have some knowledge about Zizou [Zidane], and if he wishes to join with Manchester United, he must obtain assurances.
“For years, the atmosphere at Manchester United has not been favorable. The bench’s consistency, the players’ skill level, and the club’s expectations have all changed throughout time.
“United is still a huge club, but not on the pitch anymore,” Petit continued.
And Zizou is extremely aware of and cautious about the players’ caliber.
“Looking at the club right now, I’m not at all sure about the caliber of some players. He has answers if he accepts the position at Manchester United.
Since leaving Real Madrid, where he won three Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles, in 2021, Zidane has been without a managerial position. However, he has been strongly linked to the soon-to-be-vacant France position, as current head coach Didier Deschamps is scheduled to leave after the 2026 World Cup.
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