He is the bookies’ favourite and the choice of the majority of fans.
But Zinedine Zidane isn’t interested in becoming the next Manchester United manager, according to a report from France.
Le Parisien newspaper claims that, despite being heavily linked with replacing Jose Mourinho, Zidane has no intention taking the role should it be offered to him.
He stood down as Real Madrid manager last May.
According to the report:
- Zidane was worn down by two and a half seasons as Real manager and wants to recharge before taking another position.
- He has been enjoying his time off. He still lives in Madrid and regularly attends his sons’ football matches at Real.
- There have been no suggestions from the Frenchman that he is interested in taking the job at United this season, should it become available. And no suggestion that the club have been in touch with him.
- Zidane isn’t interested in taking charge at a “drifting club in the middle of the season” as it could “scorch” his reputation. The risk doesn’t appeal to him.
- The fact he doesn’t speak English is also an issue.
- He “dreams” of coaching Juventus, the club he played for between 1996 and 2001.
Pochettino, not Zidane, must be Man United's choice to replace Mourinho | @RobRedmond10 https://t.co/5rcmuFopCc
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) October 1, 2018
Mourinho is under pressure following a difficult spell at Old Trafford.
The club have gained just 10 points from their opening seven Premier League games of the season and are already nine points behind Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the table.
The United manager has also reportedly clashed with several players, including Paul Pogba, Anthony Marital, Alexis Sanchez and Eric Bailly.
He appears to be on borrowed time, and Zidane has repeatedly been touted as a popular replacement.
Jamie Carragher speaks about the most damning aspect of Man United's decline https://t.co/l56Hr9QlUo
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) October 2, 2018
But, if the report is to be believed, Zidane isn’t in a rush to go back to the dugout. When he does return, he has his sights set on coaching Juventus. The risks associated with taking charge at United, coupled with his lack of English, means the job isn’t particularly appealing to him.
While it is just a report, and Zidane himself hasn’t said a word in public about the speculation, it seems plausible that he would feel this way.
However, he is likely to remain the fans’ first choice to be the next boss at Old Trafford.
