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Man United handed Zinedine Zidane boost in bad news for Erik ten Hag as theory emerges
by Harry Brent · Manchester Evening NewsManchester United's chances of securing Zinedine Zidane as their new manager have been boosted amid rumours the Frenchman could replace Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils have had a disastrous start to the season, with only two victories from their first seven games. They sit 14th in the league, a mere five points clear of the relegation zone.
According to reports, Ten Hag has only a few matches left to turn things around and deliver results. If he's dismissed, potential replacements include Zidane, Thomas Tuchel, and Gareth Southgate.
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United have shown interest in Zidane for some time, who has been without a club since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. Despite previously rejecting United's advances, the 52-year-old recently expressed an interest in returning to management.
However, United are not the only side vying for Zidane's services. The French FA are reportedly considering the former Madrid and Juventus midfielder as a successor to France manager Didier Deschamps.
However, according to French media outlet RMC, Deschamps has no plans to step down in the near future. The 55-year-old, who has won the World Cup both as a player and a manager, is also understood to be keen to prevent Zidane from taking over, fearing his former team-mate might seek to undermine his legacy.
(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Therefore, United may have an unopposed opportunity to secure Zidane should they decide to part ways with Ten Hag in the coming weeks. It comes following reports that United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe held a seven-hour crisis meeting with the club's top brass in London on Tuesday.
During the meeting, they reportedly discussed Ten Hag's future and who might be drafted to replace him should they pull the trigger. Former Chelsea boss Tuchel, who held talks with United in the summer, is understood to have been mentioned, though no official decision has been made.
Tuchel has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich by mutual consent at the end of last season. It's understood that the German is eager to work in England again, although sources close to the coach say he hasn't been contacted by United recently.
(Image: Getty Images)
He is also being considered for the England national team job, with the FA currently looking for Southgate's long-term successor.
Zidane, meanwhile, has had a somewhat unconventional managerial career. He began as head coach of Real Madrid B in 2014 before taking over the senior team in 2016. He won three consecutive Champions Leagues and the La Liga title in 2017 before unexpectedly resigning in 2018.
Ten months later, he returned to the Bernabeu and guided the club to another La Liga title in 2020. However, after failing to win a major trophy in the 2020/21 season, he resigned for the second time.
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