Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has been touted as a target for Manchester United many times in recent years, but he is finally set to return as manager.
Zinedine Zidane appears close to returning as manager (Image: Kevork Djansezian)
Manchester United’s long-term target Zinedine Zidane appears to be preparing for a return to the dugout, with the former Real Madrid manager now assured of a job with the France national team.
Zidane, 53, has been out of work since leaving Real for the second time in 2021, but remains linked with a key role following his spell at the Bernabéu, with the Frenchman having been touted as a United target numerous times in the past.
Zidane, who has been away from coaching for more than four years, now appears to be closing in on a new job, with L’Equipe reporting that he has held careful talks with the French Football Federation about replacing Didier Deschamps after the World Cup.
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It is well documented that Zidane’s dream is to become the manager of his home country, but many reports that he wants to do so have not materialized in recent years.
However, with Deschamps set to step down at the end of the summer, Zidane appears ready to step into the role, with the report claiming that Deschamps is already working on building a coaching team for the role, with former Real assistant David Bettoni set to join.
Manchester United are set to appoint a new permanent head coach in the summer after parting ways with Ruben Amorim (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Zidane’s potential return to coaching in the summer is unlikely to be the only significant move in the management team, with a number of jobs expected to be filled, including the vacancy at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick was handed the reins on an interim basis following the departure of Ruben Amorim earlier this month, but the former Middlesbrough boss is likely to be considered for the role permanently only in exceptional circumstances.
Oliver Glasner has been heavily linked with the United job and confirmed in an explosive press conference on Friday that he will leave Crystal Palace when his contract expires at the end of the season. However, it has since been claimed that his availability does not necessarily improve his chances of becoming United’s next head coach.
Thomas Tuchel and former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi are also understood to be two candidates United are keen on.
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