As rumors swirl about potential managerial changes at some of the biggest football clubs in the country, Manchester United is maintaining a quieter approach. Speculation continues to grow about who could take over from Erik ten Hag should a managerial change occur at Old Trafford, with Zinedine Zidane frequently mentioned as a candidate. However, despite his success, Zidane remains behind Marco Silva in bookmakers’ odds to become the next United manager.
Zidane, known for his legendary playing career and unprecedented success as the only manager to win three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid, has been out of management since leaving the Spanish club in 2021. His calm demeanor, rooted in his unflustered playing style, has often been compared to the managerial approach of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, another former Manchester United manager. Zidane’s methods, which focused on tactical simplicity and man-management, earned him great respect among the Galacticos during his time at Madrid.
Despite these achievements, Zidane has only managed Real Madrid, a team filled with world-class talent. Questions remain about whether he could handle the challenges of a squad like Manchester United, where underperformance and dressing room issues have become more apparent this season. Cristiano Ronaldo, formerly coached by Zidane, even lobbied for his appointment when United considered managerial changes in 2021.
At the same time, rumors of Thomas Tuchel’s potential arrival at Manchester United were quickly put to rest when the Football Association moved swiftly to secure him as England’s next manager. United, meanwhile, continue to operate quietly behind the scenes as the managerial merry-go-round gains momentum. With Erik ten Hag still at the helm, and speculation around Zidane and other high-profile managers, it remains to be seen if United will make a move or continue to stay the course.
