BREAKING NEWS: Zinedine Zidane demands Manchester United sell Bruno Fernandes before accepting manager job
Zinedine Zidane has reportedly given Manchester United a clear-cut ultimatum before agreeing to take charge at Old Trafford, sending shockwaves through English football. According to multiple reports from Spain and England, the French legend is ready to accept the club’s latest offer — but only on one strict condition.
The former Real Madrid boss has allegedly informed United’s hierarchy that he will not take the job unless Bruno Fernandes is sold before his arrival. Zidane is said to view the Portuguese playmaker as a “disruptive influence” in the dressing room and believes the team’s chemistry cannot thrive while he remains part of the squad.
Insiders claim Zidane was blunt during discussions, describing Fernandes as someone who “undermines team unity” and insisting he won’t manage “a squad that tolerates indiscipline.” His stance has left fans split, with some urging Sir Jim Ratcliffe to meet Zidane’s demands to secure one of football’s greatest minds, while others insist that selling their captain would be a huge mistake.
Zidane, who famously guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles, is known for his no-nonsense approach and emphasis on respect and order within the locker room. Sources close to him revealed that during private talks with United officials, he expressed deep concerns about Fernandes’ attitude and questioned his leadership. For Zidane, harmony and hierarchy are non-negotiable — and he reportedly told the board he refuses to lead a squad “that doesn’t put the team before individual egos.”
Despite the ongoing drama, Zidane remains intrigued by Manchester United’s potential. He reportedly sees the club as a “sleeping giant” that can return to the top with the right management and structure. Ratcliffe’s sporting vision and the INEOS project have impressed him, but Zidane is said to have made it clear that he will only accept the role if given full control over team selection, transfers, and dressing-room conduct — similar to the autonomy he enjoyed at Real Madrid.
The news has triggered a social media storm among fans. Some applaud Zidane’s boldness, arguing that United need a strong leader who can restore discipline, while others fiercely defend Fernandes, calling him the heart of the team and urging the Frenchman to adapt instead of making drastic demands.
With Ruben Amorim still under heavy scrutiny after another inconsistent run of results, insiders believe United’s management could soon make a decisive move. Ratcliffe is reportedly considering all options, including parting ways with Fernandes if it means landing Zidane — a decision that could redefine the club’s future.
As one insider summed it up, “Zidane doesn’t bend the rules. It’s his way or no way.” And right now, Bruno Fernandes appears to be the only obstacle standing between Manchester United and the French icon’s arrival.
