A comeback to coaching is in the works for the renowned French player and Real Madrid hero Zinedine Zidane in England. The 51-year-old recently made it public that he is not retired and is instead waiting for the right chance.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/zinedine-zidane-rejects-usmnt-head-coach-offer-20230107-WST-414747.html">Zidane</a> was once thought of as a leading candidate to succeed Didier Deschamps as coach of the French national team. He had two illustrious spells while coaching Real Madrid. Still, after France’s 2022 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/womens-world-cup-tv-schedule/">World Cup</a> second-place performance, the French Football Federation decided to extend Deschamps’ deal.



Now, the successful tactician has announced his intention to coach again. Zidane expressed his desire to return to the dugout at a reception for his former Juventus coach Marcello Lippi.



“Why not, anything can happen. Now I’m doing other things, but we’ll see – I’d certainly like to return to the bench.” He also went on to say that he would jump at the chance to lead an Italian squad.



“One day coaching in Italy? Why not?” he added. Current Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri’s contract is up until 2026, and Zidane is mentioned as his successor.



<h2>Move to England possible for Zinedine Zidane?</h2>



Meanwhile, reports from England paint a different picture. He is INEOS’ ideal candidate to replace <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/united-players-denied-day-off-as-injuries-losses-pile-up-20240227-WST-491786.html">Erik ten Hag</a> as manager of Manchester United, <a href="https://www.mundodeportivo.com/us/en/20240227/679544/zidane-emerges-as-front-runner-for-manchester-united-s-managerial-position.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mundo Deportivo</a> says. The Frenchman has <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/potter-zidane-top-list-of-coaching-candidates-at-man-united-20231214-WST-477177.html">caught the eye of billionaire Jim Ratcliffe</a> and his business INEOS, who are aiming to recreate United’s golden age.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240228_WST_492046_Zidane-return-1200x670_08c96131.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-492079" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Zidane-return-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Zidane-return-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Zidane-return-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Zidane-return.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



The heat is on for the Dutchman after a dismal season and may not even make it through the season’s final stretch. Not only are the Red Devils having trouble qualifying for the Champions League, but he has also failed to bring out his players’ greatest performances this season.



The former Ajax coach has also failed to live up to expectations that they should be contending for big championships. At the conclusion of the season, Manchester United might elect to replace him with Zidane, and that would be a great move.



<h2>What did Zidane previously say about coaching United?</h2>



The fact that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/ratcliffe-eyes-massive-man-united-squad-overhaul-this-summer-20240222-WST-491054.html">Ratcliffe</a> is considering the veteran as a potential manager shows that United are taking a new approach. He is hoping to repeat the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson. The prospective employment of Zidane is in perfect harmony with Ratcliffe’s goals for the club’s future. This is thanks to his impressive record in both local and European tournaments.



A strong desire to return the Old Trafford outfit to their rightful place at the top of English and European soccer is at the heart of the billionaire’s project.



Being one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, the Red Devils have enormous expectations to contend for major trophies on a season-to-season basis. They might return to that level with Zidane’s support. But as these statements from <a href="https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/zinedine-zidane-explained-manchester-united-28716083" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Manchester Evening News</a> show, he had previously already distanced himself from the United position.



“Would I want to go to Manchester [United]? I understand English, but I’m not completely fluent in it. I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way.”



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Return to coaching in cards for Zidane, future set in England?

A comeback to coaching is in the works for the renowned French player and Real Madrid hero Zinedine Zidane in England.

Reports linking <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/bayern-munich-eyes-xabi-alonso-as-thomas-tuchel-replacement-20240219-WST-490597.html">Xabi Alonso to Bayern Munich</a> to replace Thomas Tuchel would wait until the end of the season. The Spaniard is flying with Bayer Leverkusen, and he can still win a treble of trophies this season with the German side. However, if <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/bayern-munich-tv-schedule/">Bayern Munich</a> wants to part ways with Thomas Tuchel promptly, two high-profile managers are readily available. 



New <a href="https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13075820/bayern-munich-ole-gunnar-solskjaer-xabi-alonso-and-zinedine-zidane-potential-thomas-tuchel-successors" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rumors</a> suggest Zinedine Zidane and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are two potential managers that could step in for Tuchel at least on an interim basis. Neither manager has led a team over recent seasons. Zidane’s contract with Real Madrid expired at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, which was a trophyless season for Real Madrid. Solskjaer only made it partially through the 2021/22 campaign with Manchester United, which was supposed to be a massive campaign for the club. The arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at the beginning of the season led to immense expectations. United floundered in Solskjaer’s third full season at Old Trafford.



What Zidane and Solskjaer have that can benefit Bayern is that they both brought early success as interim managers. When Zidane first arrived at Real Madrid in January 2016, he rattled off three Champions League triumphs in a row. Granted, that Real Madrid side was one of the strongest in the club’s illustrious history. 



Solskjaer was simply a caretaker manager before United stunned PSG in the Champions League round of 16. In his first full season as United boss, Solskjaer finished third in the Premier League while also reaching the semifinals of the League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League. Bayern has higher expectations than those finishes. However, the German squad is also far stronger than what Solskjaer had at his disposal in England.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240219_WST_490653_Solskjaer-Bayern-1200x670_ce7bbb9a.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-490656" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Solskjaer-Bayern-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Solskjaer-Bayern-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Solskjaer-Bayern-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Solskjaer-Bayern.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Mounting pressure on Tuchel</h2>



Bayern Munich has maintained its persistence in retaining Tuchel through at least the end of the campaign. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/bayern-could-sack-tuchel-two-options-temporary-options-ready-20240214-WST-489527.html">Sacking Tuchel</a> would not only be costly. There is no guarantee that bringing on a new manager would yield the immediate results that Bayern covets. Other midseason signings across Europe this campaign have led to more issues for clubs. Napoli sacked manager Rudi Garcia before his replacement, Walter Mazzarri, earned the sack. Mainz sacked Jan Siewert after initially naming the German its permanent head coach.



At this point, though, Bayern has nothing to lose. It is already out of the DFB-Pokal. The Bundesliga is out of reach. Bayern now trails Bayer Leverkusen by eight points with 12 games to go. That is not an insurmountable lead, but Bayer Leverkusen is yet to lose a game across all competitions this season. 



<h2>Bayern targets Zidane permanently, Solskjaer temporarily</h2>



If Tuchel fails to deliver silverware for Bayern, he is likely to be relieved of his duties as boss. Zidane would be available as the coach, but he would be in the running against Xabi Alonso. Granted, Xabi Alonso also has links to the Real Madrid and Liverpool jobs if those open up at the end of the campaign. Bayern Munich will at least have options if Alonso opts to leave Germany entirely. 



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Zidane, Solskjaer emerge as immediate replacements at Bayern

If Thomas Tuchel is forced out of Bayern Munich, either Zinedine Zidane or Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would be fascinating replacements.

Supposedly, Zinedine Zidane, the ex-Real Madrid boss, has rejected the opportunity to take an international coaching job in 2024.



After their early exit from the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/africa-cup-of-nations-tv-schedule/">Africa Cup of Nations</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/nations/algeria-national-team-tv-schedule/">Algeria</a> allegedly sought <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/potter-zidane-top-list-of-coaching-candidates-at-man-united-20231214-WST-477177.html">Zinedine Zidane</a>‘s services as a new coach. In the wake of Djamel Belmadi’s departure, the Algerian Football Association is now seeking a replacement.



The surprising group-stage elimination from the 2023 tournament led to the dismissal of manager Djamel Belmadi.&nbsp;The severance payout that the 47-year-old received from the Algerian FA has put him in the middle of a controversy. Thus, FIFA are reportedly planning to look into the matter.



The Greens had never before been eliminated in the group stages of the AFCON in consecutive tournaments. Even more astonishing is the fact that, after winning the 2019 edition under Belmadi’s leadership, huge things were anticipated from them.



Some prominent figures, including Herve Renard and Vahid Halilhodzic, have surfaced as potential successors to Belmadi. It seems, however, that the Algerian FA had other plans and were hoping to get Zinedine Zidane on board instead.



<h2>What did Zidane say to Algerian FA?</h2>



Linked to the open position of manager at Algeria this month, Zidane maintains ties to the country of his parents’ birth. While he was born and brought up in Marseille, France, his family is from the North African country.



“I have an affinity with the Arabic world,” he said when asked about his heritage back in 2012. “I have it in my blood, via my parents. I’m very proud of being French, but also very proud of having these roots and this diversity.”



<a href="https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/L-algerie-a-tente-zinedine-zidane-pour-le-poste-de-selectionneur/1444718" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">L’Equipe</a> reports that Walid Sadi, head of the Algerian Football Federation, contacted Zidane in the last few hours. But the key player in France’s 1998 World Cup victory has decided not to return to coaching.



Zidane is pleased by the attention but is determined to sit this one out for the time being. The fact that the 51-year-old has remained unemployed since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 has sparked curiosity over his next move.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="800" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240127_WST_486005_imago0125839003h-1200x800_43eba8df.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=800" alt="" class="wp-image-486018" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/imago0125839003h-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/imago0125839003h-300x200.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/imago0125839003h-768x512.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/imago0125839003h-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/01/imago0125839003h-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Many suspect Zinedine Zidane is waiting for the Juventus job to come available before he returns to coaching</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What now for Zidane?</h2>



The former midfield maestro’s aspirations to head France’s national team are well-known. But Didier Deschamps just got a contract extension that will keep him in charge until 2026.



Furthermore, Zidane’s future seems cloudier now that Thierry Henry is leading the France U21 team. The article emphasizes that Zidane has lately <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/zinedine-zidane-rejects-usmnt-head-coach-offer-20230107-WST-414747.html">turned down offers to lead the United States</a> and Brazilian national teams.



Prior to Marcelo Gallardo’s appointment, Al-Ittihad extended an offer for him to coach Karim Benzema again. Nevertheless, he also turned down the Saudi League’s rich offer.



When it comes to soccer, the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner has done it all—from playing to managing—except for claiming the Africa Cup of Nations. However, it seems that he is able to resist the allure of a new challenge away from the European game’s highest level.



Zidane has a victory rate of 70.47 percent during his first stint as Madrid manager (2016–18) and 60.53 percent during his second stint (2019–21). He won three <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-uefa-champions-league-and-europa-league-on-us-tv-and-internet/">UEFA Champions League</a> medals and two <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/where-to-watch-la-liga-on-us-tv-and-internet/">La Liga</a> championships while he was there.



Photo credits: IMAGO / ABACAPRESS : IMAGO / agefotostock.

Zinedine Zidane rejects major national team job, reason revealed

Supposedly, Zinedine Zidane has declined a major African national team job, which would have started in 2024

Erik ten Hag’s job security at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">Manchester United</a> is seemingly dwindling by the week. The Red Devils have lost three of their four matches so far during December. As a result, the club fell to sixth in the Premier League table. Its performances in the Champions League dumped the Red Devils out of all European play. 



Reports are now begging to surface of potential managerial replacements at the club. Former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/sevilla-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Sevilla</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/wolves-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Wolves</a> manager Julen Lopetegui was <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/united-linked-with-a-potential-managerial-move-for-lopetegui-20231213-WST-476992.html">linked</a> as a possible next head coach for United on Wednesday. The Spaniard is rated highly within the team’s executive staff and would be interested in the job. Lopetegui recently declined a huge offer to coach in Saudi Arabia to manage a Premier League side in the future.



<h2>New minority owner rates former Chelsea coach</h2>



One day later, there are two more coaches are now being discussed as possible replacements for Ten Hag. The first, and more surprising of the two names, is Graham Potter. Sky Sports is reporting that the former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/brighton-tv-schedule-where-to-watch-the-seagulls/">Brighton</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> boss will be high up on United’s list should they fire their current manager.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231214_WST_477177_Potter-Chelsea-1200x675_11f13fce.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-477203" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/Potter-Chelsea-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/Potter-Chelsea-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/Potter-Chelsea-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/12/Potter-Chelsea.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



The news outlet claims that Potter is respected highly by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s executive group. Potter was even recently thought to be a major managerial candidate for Ratcliffe’s French club <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/nice-tv-schedule-for-us-viewers/">Nice</a>. The billionaire owns the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ligue-un-tv-schedule/">Ligue 1</a> team and is set to take a minority stake in the Red Devils in the coming weeks. 



However, the source also claims that there are no immediate plans to sack Ten Hag at the moment. Club brass has also apparently not held any direct conversations with outside coaches either.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Graham Potter a top candidate for Manchester United if Erik ten Hag is sacked by Sir Jim Ratcliffe 🔴 <a href="https://t.co/AO71Vv0hIo">pic.twitter.com/AO71Vv0hIo</a>— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1735289734337851514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<h2>Zidane joining Potter among United coaching candidates</h2>



British gambling companies currently have Potter as the <a href="https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-utd-next-manager-odds-28287035" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">odds-on favorite</a> to eventually become the next manager of United. Nevertheless, just behind Potter in the line at United is Zinedine Zidane. The former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> manager was incredibly successful with the Spanish giants.



During two separate spells as head coach of Los Blancos, Zidane collected 11 total trophies. This includes multiple <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> triumphs. The former France star has become a white whale for many top teams, including United, across Europe. Zidane, however, has opted to remain without a coaching job since departing Real in 2021.



The Frenchman has links with the Red Devils’ job. He later revealed he could not take the job because of the language barrier. “When people say to me: ‘Do you want to go to Manchester?’ I understand English but I don’t fully master it,” Zidane <a href="https://www.eurosport.com/football/i-work-differently-zinedine-zidane-on-why-he-wouldn-t-take-manchester-united-job-currently_sto9003715/story.shtml" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stated</a> in the summer of 2022.



“I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work differently. To win, many elements come into play. It’s a global context. Me, I know what I need to win.”



It is unclear if Zidane still feels this way more than a year later. Nevertheless, Ten Hag will need to right the ship soon if he wants to remain with the prestigious team. Things do not get any easier for the struggling team soon though. United faces <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/liverpool-tv-schedule/">Liverpool</a> at Anfield at the weekend. The Red Devils follow up the tough test with matches against <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/west-ham-tv-schedule/">West Ham</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/aston-villa-tv-schedule/">Aston Villa</a>. 



PHOTOS: IMAGO.

Potter, Zidane top list of coaching candidates at Man United

Manchester United will apparently consider Graham Potter and Zinedine Zidane as their next manager if they part ways with Erik ten Hag.

Manchester United already reportedly has a list of managerial contenders should they fire Erik ten Hag. Despite getting off to a solid start in his first season at the helm, the Dutch boss is currently in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/gary-neville-erik-ten-hag-is-heading-for-sack-at-man-united-20231102-WST-466671.html">hot seat</a>. Ten Hag has been under constant pressure throughout the current campaign as the team continues to struggle. 



<a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/erik-ten-hag-ruben-amorim-zinedine-zidane-manchester-united-8h7bqdnsq" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Times</a> is now reporting that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/manchester-united-tv-schedule/">United</a> has identified two coaches to potentially succeed ten Hag. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/sporting-cp-tv-schedule-for-united-states-viewers/">Sporting CP</a> manager Ruben Amorim may be the leading candidate for the job. There are, however, complications regarding the Portuguese coach.



For starters, Amorim is employed by Sporting. United would have to pay a release clause to nab the coach. This fee will be in the region of $10.7 million. Amorim, 38, is one of the top young coaches in all of Europe. 



The former midfielder had heavy links with a switch to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/tottenham-tv-schedule/">Tottenham Hotspur</a> earlier in the year. Nevertheless, the manager did not want to depart Sporting midseason and then chose not to join the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/premier-league-tv-schedule/">Premier League</a> side in the summer. Spurs instead opted to hire Ange Postecoglou, a move that has panned out well so far.



<h2>Sporting coach keeping future plans to himself</h2>



Amorim was asked about the United job on Thursday following his team’s 4-2 win against Farense. Although he claimed to not want to discuss the matter, the coach also hinted that he has plans set up following the conclusion of the current campaign.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231103_WST_467031_Ruben-Amorim-United-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-467131" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Ruben-Amorim-United-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Ruben-Amorim-United-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Ruben-Amorim-United-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Ruben-Amorim-United.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Ruben Amorim won the Primeira Liga Manager of the Season in 2021 when Sporting won the league title.</figcaption></figure>



“This year I’m not going to go back to the same conversation as last year,” Amorim <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12705825/Sporting-Lisbon-manager-Ruben-Amorim-responds-Man-United-links-amid-reports-lined-potential-replacement-Erik-ten-Hag-following-Red-Devils-miserable-start-season.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> reporters. “I’m not going to make any kind of comment on these situations. We don’t know the future, it depends on the results.”



“Regarding the future, I have an idea for the end of the season, but I won’t say it now. But the results and the context take us to something different. I don’t want to be commenting on these things. I have not been contacted by Manchester United.”



<h2>United naming other candidates for manager job</h2>



Former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/real-madrid-tv-schedule/">Real Madrid</a> manager Zinedine Zidane is also a possible candidate at United as well. The former France star has been on sabbatical ever since departing the Spanish giants back in 2021. His availability could very well be a deciding factor for the Red Devils. 



Zidane was immensely successful in two separate stints with Los Blancos. The Frenchman collected three consecutive <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">Champions League</a> titles and two <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/la-liga-tv-schedule/">LaLiga</a> triumphs in just four-and-a-half years with the club.



There are, however, further complications regarding ten Hag’s future at United. The club will <a href="https://www.footballinsider247.com/sources-man-united-cost-of-sacking-ten-hag-revealed/">reportedly</a> have to pay the Dutchman around $18 million if they were to sack him at some point this season. Ownership uncertainty also adds obstacles to any serious decision as well. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is entering the fray by becoming a minority investor in the club. Yet, this move has not reached its final stages. 



Nevertheless, United brass will have to make a move if the club continues to lose matches. Amorim would bring an exciting style of soccer to the team. Sporting currently scores plenty of goals in Portugal and has yet to lose a league match this season. However, like most managers, Amorim would need time to bring the correct players into the team.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

Man United assembling list of potential manager candidates

Manchester United is reportedly eyeing two specific candidates should it fire manager Erik ten Hag during the current campaign.

Former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has rejected an offer to become the US Men’s National Team head coach, <a href="https:\/\/www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Que-va-faire-zidane-apres-la-prolongation-de-deschamps-a-la-tete-de-l-equipe-de-france/1373394" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to a report</a> in the French newspaper L’Equipe.



Zidane was offered the USMNT job after the recent 2022 World Cup. The French soccer legend rejected the offer, as well as rejecting offers to coach the national teams of Brazil and Portugal.



It had been reported that Zidane was hoping to become national team head coach for France. However, after France’s impressive run at Qatar 2022, the French Football Federation today renewed Didier Deschamps’ contract for four more years. Meanwhile, Zidane will hope to get the France job after World Cup 2026.



<h2>Zidane USMNT offer is a good sign</h2>



Despite Zidane rejecting the USMNT offer, it’s a positive sign for followers of the US men’s team given that the US Soccer Federation is not settling for complacency. It’s unlikely that Gregg Berhalter will have his contract renewed, especially as a result of the <a href="https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com/news/us-soccer-scandal-gregg-berhalter-claudio-reyna-investigation-violence-report/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent scandal</a>. And it’s imperative that the US Soccer team is led by a world-class coach to begin the preparations in advance of co-hosting World Cup 2026.



Earlier this week, World Soccer Talk named Zinedine Zidane in our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/us-soccer-delays-berhalter-deal-who-they-should-pick-instead-20230104-WST-413501.html">shortlist of coaches that US Soccer should hire</a>.



So while Zidane has passed on the opportunity, partly because of his stubbornness in only wanting the France job, it does give us evidence that the US Soccer wants to make bold hiring decisions. 



There are several world-class <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/us-soccer-delays-berhalter-deal-who-they-should-pick-instead-20230104-WST-413501.html">managers who are available for the job</a> if US Soccer decides to reach out to them.



It also tells us that US Soccer is looking for options to ensure that Berhalter’s agreement isn’t renewed. 



Meanwhile, US Soccer has hired <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/anthony-hudson-named-temporary-usmnt-head-coach-20230104-WST-414370.html">Anthony Hudson as a temporary USMNT coach</a>.



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French media reports that a Zidane USMNT offer has been made to try to lure the France soccer legend to the United States.

Zinedine Zidane rejects USMNT head coach offer - World Soccer Talk

Zinedine Zidane rejects USMNT head coach offer

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Paris (AFP) – French champions Paris Saint-Germain are near to reaching an agreement for Zinedine Zidane to replace Mauricio Pochettino as coach, French media reported on Friday.
According to Europe 1 an agreement in principle is in place between the club and 49-year-old Zidane for the former Real Madrid boss ahead of the new season.
RMC Sport claims sources at the Parc des Princes have refused to deny the reports.
Later, a PSG source told AFP that such an agreement would have to be considered with caution.
Pochettino has a year left on his contract and led the Parisians to the Ligue 1 title last term but they were knocked out of the Champions League knock-out stages.
The outfit’s hierarchy have publically stated their desire to win the competition with Zidane having guided the Spanish giants to the title three seasons in a row.
At Madrid, the 1998 World Cup winner with France also lifted La Liga as well as the Copa del Rey twice.
Earlier, PSG announced the arrival of Luis Campos as their football advisor to replace the departed Leonardo.
The Portugese 57-year-old, helped Monaco to the French crown in 2017 as well as Monaco four years later and worked alongside Kylian Mbappe on the Mediterranean coast.
“I am delighted to be joining Paris Saint-Germain, which I consider is the most ambitious and exciting club in world football,” Campos said in a PSG statement.
“I believe strongly in and share the vision of the club and I cannot wait to get started to further unleash the great potential of this exceptional club.”
The new French top-flight season begins on August 6 with the French Trophee des Champions five days earlier as PSG face Nantes in Israel.

Zidane close to joining PSG as coach: reports

Zidane close to joining PSG as coach: reports - World Soccer Talk

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