The requirements for persuading Zinedine Zidane, the former manager of Real Madrid, to assume Ruben Amorim’s post have been communicated to Manchester United’s executives.
Amorim is already under increasing strain since the Red Devils only have two games left in the new season. After a 1-0 loss to Arsenal at home and a 1-1 draw away to Fulham, the Portuguese coach’s winning percentage dropped to an alarming 24.7%.
Since taking control in November 2024, Amorim has guided the team to a 15th-place finish and a Europa League final loss to Tottenham Hotspur. The tie at Craven Cottage sparked speculation that INEOS might need to replace him and brought back memories of his team’s surrenders the previous season.
Man Utd Told Zinedine Zidane Will Make ‘Two Demands’
Despite never having coached in the Premier League, Zidane has recently become one of Europe’s most sought-after coaches. Since leaving Madrid for the second time in June 2021, the legendary Frenchman has been without a manager.
While leading the Spanish powerhouses to three straight Champions League titles, the 53-year-old was an enormous success. He put up a strong team that featured the formidable front three of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Because of his name and success history, Zidane has long been hailed as a future United manager in waiting. But after clashing with Madrid president Florentino Perez, he is unlikely to accept a position he knows has stable ownership.
Former France teammate Emmanuel Petit explained why the two-time FIFA Coach of the Year hasn’t shown interest in the Old Trafford position throughout the years. He pointed out that communication is “very important” and that Zidane’s English may not be “very good”.
The former Arsenal player continued: “I know a little bit, Zizou [Zidane], and he needs to get guarantees if he wants to sign over there in Manchester United.”
“At the moment, the environment at Manchester United for years has not been good,” Petit added, referring to issues behind the scenes that have led to supporters protesting against the Glazers’ ownership in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. The bench’s consistency, the players’ skill level, and the club’s expectations have all changed throughout time.
Since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, United has not won the Premier League title, and Amorim is the sixth manager to attempt to bring the team back to its former glory. Since taking over athletic operations last year, INEOS has supported him and allowed him to let go of players who don’t meet his criteria.
According to Petit, Zidane would feel the same way about the team: “United is still a huge club, but not on the pitch anymore.” Zizou is extremely aware of and cautious about the players’ caliber. I’m not at all persuaded by the caliber of some of the players on the squad right now. He has answers if he accepts the position at Manchester United.
Zidane may be lured by a potential Premier League position, but there has long been a suspicion that he is holding out for a position with the France national team. According to reports, he has turned down offers to succeed Didier Deschamps, whose contract is slated to expire following the 2026 World Cup, from United, Saudi Arabia, and Paris Saint-Germain in recent years.
David Beckham On Why Zidane Could Be The Man For Man Utd Job
Zidane’s success in the Santiago Bernabeu dugout is equal to that of his playing days. He thrived as one of Madrid’s “Galacticos,” a top-tier attacking midfielder who was unstoppable on his day.
One of the celebrities that played with the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner was David Beckham, and the two had a close bond. The former England captain has chosen to pursue a career in football instead of management.
After Zidane was named manager of Real Madrid in 2016, the United legend praised him in a message that Sir Jim Ratcliffe should heed. “Someone with passion and drive who also doesn’t accept failure on any level,” he wrote. Stepping into a role he will love… The ideal candidate for the position.
Zidane lived up to that assessment, leading Los Blancos to the UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, La Liga title, three Champions Leagues, and the Supercopa de Espana during his first stint. He came back in 2019 and led the team to another La Liga championship, a FIFA Club World Cup, and a Supercopa de Espana.
Unlike Amorim, the French tactician was tactically flexible, adjusting to his opponents while primarily employing a 4-3-3 configuration. Since the midfield has been constantly overrun and wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo has been left out, many believe that the current United team is a better fit for that structure.
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