Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has been touted as target for Manchester United on multiple occasions in recent years and is now finally primed for a return to management
Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane speaking on the phone
Zinedine Zidane appears to be closing in on a return to management(Image: Kevork Djansezian)
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Long-term Manchester United target Zinedine Zidane is seemingly gearing up for a return to the dugout, with the former Real Madrid boss now firmly in the frame for the France job.
Zidane, 53, has been out of work since leaving Real for a second time back in 2021 but continues to be linked with significant roles after his spells at the Bernabeu, with the Frenchman being touted as a target for United on multiple occasions in the past.
After over four years away from management, it now appears that Zidane is closing in on a new job, with L'Equipe reporting he has held discreet discussions with the French Football Federation about replacing Didier Deschamps after the World Cup.
It's been well documented that Zidane's dream gig would be to manage his country, albeit numerous reports saying he would be keen to do so has not materialised into anything substantial in recent years.
But with Deschamps set to exit stage left this summer, it appears Zidane is primed to step in, with the report claiming he has already been working to assemble his coaching team for the role, with his former assistant at Real, David Bettoni, set to join him.
Ruben Amorim
Manchester United will appoint a new permanent head coach in the summer after parting ways with Ruben Amorim(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Zidane's potential return to coaching in the summer is unlikely to be the only significant move in the management sphere with a number of jobs expected to be up for grabs, not least the Old Trafford vacancy.
While Michael Carrick has been handed the reins on an interim basis following Ruben Amorim's exit earlier this month, the former Middlesbrough chief is only likely to be considered for the role permanently in exceptional circumstances.
Oliver Glasner has been heavily linked with the United job and confirmed in an explosive press conference on Friday that he would be leaving Crystal Palace when his contract expires at the end of the season. However, it has since been claimed his availability will not necessarily enhance his chances of becoming United's next head coach.
Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi, the former Brighton head coach, are two other candidates United are understood to be keen on.
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