“I need ASSURANCE” – Zinedine Zidane reveals the one CONDITION that will make him accept the Manchester United job. The Real Madrid legend is willing to take the role, but one major issue is holding him back.
If Thomas Tuchel accepts the role of England manager following reported talks with the Football Association (FA), it could complicate his availability for a potential move to Manchester United, should Erik ten Hag be relieved of his duties.
This scenario might postpone any chances of Tuchel taking over at Old Trafford, despite the persistent rumors linking him to the position.
Although Erik ten Hag recently survived an intense six-hour meeting in London with Manchester United’s key decision-makers, including Joel Glazer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and Sir Dave Brailsford, his position remains unstable.
The meeting followed a string of poor performances, with United managing only seven wins in their last 30 games across the Premier League and Europe. While Ten Hag has been granted more time to improve the team’s fortunes, his future remains in doubt, and the club may be forced to consider a managerial change if results do not improve swiftly.
Tuchel, who was dismissed from Bayern Munich earlier this year, is seen as a top contender to replace Ten Hag if United chooses to go in a new direction.
Tuchel has an impressive track record, having guided Chelsea to Champions League success and also achieving notable success at Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund. It was reported that he had met with Ratcliffe in Monaco to discuss the United job, but those talks did not result in a deal.
Even if Tuchel decides against the England job or becomes unavailable, Ratcliffe and INEOS, who recently invested £1.3 billion into Manchester United, seem to have another high-profile candidate in mind—Zinedine Zidane.
According to previous reports from Foot Mercato, Ratcliffe has shown interest in bringing the French football legend to Old Trafford.
Zidane, considered one of the finest managers globally, has been without a role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021.
During his time at Real Madrid, Zidane enjoyed a remarkable run, winning two La Liga titles and three consecutive UEFA Champions League trophies.
He is reportedly waiting for the right opportunity, with rumors suggesting that he has his eye on succeeding Didier Deschamps as the French national team manager.
However, with Deschamps expected to remain in charge of France until the 2026 World Cup, Zidane might be drawn to an offer from Manchester United, especially given the club’s need for a fresh direction.
If Tuchel is unavailable and Zidane emerges as a possibility, Ratcliffe and INEOS might pursue the Frenchman for the top job at Old Trafford. Zidane’s global reputation, tactical acumen, and decorated career make him an attractive candidate if Ten Hag’s tenure ends.
For the time being, Manchester United’s focus is on supporting Ten Hag and allowing him the opportunity to reverse the team’s fortunes after the October break. But if the team’s struggles persist, Ten Hag’s future may be at risk before the November international break. Both Tuchel and Zidane remain potential options for the club, but much will hinge on Ten Hag’s performance in the coming weeks and whether the leadership deems it necessary to make a change.
