Former Real Madrid manager and Three times Champion league winner Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as Manchester United manager after the sack of Erik Ten Hag

After reportedly discussing matters with the Football Association (FA), Thomas Tuchel may soon be ruled out as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, should the Dutchman be dismissed. Tuchel is rumored to be in contention for the England manager position, making him unavailable for a move to Old Trafford.

Nevertheless, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS could have another prominent candidate in mind to take over if the club decides to part ways with Ten Hag. The pressure on Ten Hag is increasing, as United’s performances have been far from satisfactory. The Red Devils have only secured seven wins from their last 30 matches across both the Premier League and European competitions. Despite a lengthy six-hour meeting in London with key decision-makers, including Ratcliffe, Joel Glazer, and Sir Dave Brailsford, Ten Hag’s future remains uncertain. While he survived that meeting, the ongoing scrutiny over his performance continues to loom over his position.

Many in the football community believe Tuchel would be an ideal choice to help Manchester United navigate their current difficulties if the board opts for a change in management. The German coach has already met with Ratcliffe, having had discussions in Monaco following his exit from Bayern Munich this summer. However, those negotiations did not advance, and speculation arose that Ratcliffe was hesitant to pursue Tuchel after investing £1.3 billion in United for a 28% stake earlier this year.

Meanwhile, reports from Foot Mercato indicate that Ratcliffe is considering another high-profile name to help restore United’s former glory—Zinedine Zidane. There have been rumors that Ratcliffe and INEOS are interested in bringing the French legend to M16 to replace Ten Hag. This possibility is further supported by Jean-Claude Blanc’s presence on United’s board, who previously sought Zidane’s services while at Paris Saint-Germain.
Zidane has been patiently awaiting the right managerial opportunity since resigning from Real Madrid for the second time in 2021. During his two terms with Los Blancos, he enjoyed tremendous success, winning two La Liga titles and an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League trophies from 2015 to 2018. Now 52, Zidane is not in a hurry, reportedly eyeing the France national team job as his next move. However, it seems he may have to wait longer than expected. Current France manager Didier Deschamps, who led the team to victory in the 2018 World Cup, has shown no intention of stepping down. Reports from RMC suggest Deschamps is committed to staying in charge through the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Furthermore, it appears Deschamps is reluctant to pass the reins to Zidane, worried that Zidane’s legacy might overshadow his own achievements with Les Bleus.

If Zidane does become available, Ratcliffe may be eager to take advantage, especially if Tuchel is no longer a possibility. The future of Manchester United’s managerial role remains uncertain, but for now, the club’s leadership is focused on supporting Ten Hag, hoping for a quick turnaround in performance after the October break. However, if results do not improve soon, Ten Hag may not survive until the international break in November.

As United grapples with these challenging times, it’s hard not to reflect on the club’s golden era. Twenty-five years ago, Manchester United became the first English team to win the historic treble. A special edition gift from the Manchester Evening News celebrates that remarkable achievement, looking back at the players, unforgettable matches, and dramatic comebacks that defined that extraordinary season.