The Real Madrid and France hero has long been fancied to take over as manager at Manchester United
Zinedine Zidane looks on
Zinedine Zidane has been linked with a managerial job(Image: Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images)
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Premier League legend Nicolas Anelka doubts that Zinedine Zidane will arrive at Manchester United this summer. Whilst Michael Carrick is thriving in his role as caretaker boss following Ruben Amorim's dismissal in January, the club's association with Zidane remains strong.
Zidane has consistently been touted as a possible contender at Old Trafford, with speculation about the iconic former Real Madrid midfielder assuming control stretching back to 2018.
Nevertheless, former Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Chelsea striker Anelka has dismissed any prospect of the legendary Frenchman joining United.
Anelka reckons the Madrid legend is destined for the national side instead, with long-standing coach Didier Deschamps expected to step aside following this summer's World Cup.
Speaking to Spanish radio programme Carrusel Canalla, Anelka said: "I don't know if it's official, but I think it will be Zidane. Everyone says it will be him, and he's the best choice; he proved it at Real Madrid. He was a good coach. He will be a good leader for the French players."
Zidane possesses an impressive CV, securing three Champions League trophies and a La Liga title during a two-and-a-half-year spell with Real Madrid between 2016 and 2018. He rejoined the club less than 12 months after his exit and claimed another La Liga crown before departing the position once more.
Zidane was touted for the United managerial position during the latter stages of Jose Mourinho's tenure in 2018. Yet the former Juventus star's representative, Alain Migliaccio, previously stated that "it does not really attract him" when addressing the possibility of Zidane taking charge in the Premier League.
He continued: "I do not think that he will manage in England. It is much less his style. I have discussed it with him." Nevertheless, with Zidane remaining unemployed since departing Real in 2021, there's a chance his position has mellowed regarding accepting a role in England.
Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane has been linked with United(Image: Getty Images)
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In 2022, when questioned about whether he would entertain a Premier League opportunity, the 1998 World Cup champion told L'Equipe: "Never say never. Especially when you are a coach today. If I go back to a club, it is to win. I say this with all modesty."
Zidane does seem to hold United in high regard. The Frenchman agreed to the sale of Raphael Varane to United whilst he was managing Los Blancos.
The Red Devils had been linked with the defender for a considerable period, with then-United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a keen admirer. Whilst Real could have created difficulties, with Varane in the final year of his contract, Zidane reportedly facilitated negotiations so the French World Cup victor could make a smooth transition to Manchester.
Interestingly, it was rumoured that Zidane had been learning English around 2021, as revealed by former Arsenal player Emmanuel Petit. However, the ex-French international didn't think United was the right club for Zidane.
Nicholas Anelka in his Real Madrid days
Nicholas Anelka in his Real Madrid days(Image: Bongarts)
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"Communication is very important, so if you do not speak the language when you arrive at a club like Manchester United, that could be a big problem," Petit said.
"I've been told that he has been learning English recently, so I think he knows it's important for his career, but Zinedine being linked with Manchester United – I don't believe it, to be honest."
However, the solution to United's recent managerial issues might already be in their dugout. Carrick has expressed his enjoyment of his time at United amid increasing speculation that the job is now his to lose.
When questioned about his prospects of securing the job permanently, the 44-year-old responded: "There's no getting away from the situation, of course.
"There's not really an awful lot I can say about it to be honest. I love being here. I love doing what I'm doing. We'll just have to see where it ends up."