Zinedine Zidane reaches ‘verbal agreement’ as Man Utd manager search takes twist
French legend Zinedine Zidane has been tipped to become the next Manchester United manager and appears to have a decision on his long-awaited return to the dugout
Zinedine Zidane has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to become the new manager of France after the World Cup. The legendary former midfielder has been out of work since 2021, having left Real Madrid for a second time.
In the four-and-a-half years since, Zidane has been linked with a number of roles including at Manchester United and another of his, former clubs Juventus. But it appears that his return to the dugout could potentially come on the international stage.
According to reports in Italy, Zidane has reached a verbal agreement to take control of the French national team after this summer’s World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Compatriot Didier Deschamps is currently in charge albeit his contract is due to expire following the conclusion of the tournament.
Deschamps, 57, has been in charge of the French national team since 2012 and has led the nation to back-to-back World Cup finals, winning in 2018. Speaking earlier this season about his stance on returning to management, Zidane said: “It will happen soon. Very soon.”
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He added: “I’d like to be the head coach of the France team one day. I will surely return to coaching.”
Zidane’s potential move into international management will finally end rumours of a move to United. Michael Carrick was recently put in charge until the end of the season, although he’s now being considered for the job on a permanent basis.
He has impressed with an eye-catching run of form, with Wayne Rooney having suggested he should be handed the role full-time. He said: “We’ve been there and tried different managers – (Jose) Mourinho, (Louis) van Gaal, (Erik) ten Hag and (Ruben) Amorim – and for me Carrick makes sense.”
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Rooney added: “Not because we’ve played together and we’re friends, but because he’s a real calming influence. Having someone there who knows the club and cares for the club makes a big difference.Michael is managing the whole squad and managing them well.
“Sometimes we’re quick to overlook what’s right there in front of you and say we’ve got this manager from Turkey or from Spain who is going to come in and do this, when they have no interest in the football club.
“At least (with Carrick) this will give the foundations for the club to keep building when in two or three years’ time the infrastructure will be back at the club.”
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