Man Utd handed Zinedine Zidane boost as theory emerges after Sir Jim Ratcliffe meeting

Zinedine Zidane is one of a number of names being considered by Manchester United as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag, whose future at Old Trafford is hanging by a thread

Manchester United's hopes of appointing Zinedine Zidane have been boosted amid talk of the Frenchman replacing Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils have endured a nightmare start to the new campaign, having won just two of their opening seven matches. They're 14th in the table and just five points above the relegation zone, and it's understood Ten Hag has little more than a game or two to turn things around and start producing results.

Should the axe swing, the likes of Zidane, Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate could be parachuted in to replace the Dutchman. United have a long-standing interest in Zidane, who has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, and while the 52-year-old has rebuffed their advances in the past, he recently declared an interest in returning to the dugout.

United aren't the only ones after Zidane's signature. The French FA are reportedly eyeing the former Real Madrid midfielder up as a potential replacement for France manager Didier Deschamps. However, according to French outlet RMC, Deschamps isn't planning to step down any time soon.

It's also understood that the 55-year-old, who has won the World Cup as both a player and a manager, is desperate to prevent Zidane from succeeding him amid fears his former team-mate will sweep away his legacy. As such, United may have a free shot at Zizou should they part ways with Ten Hag in the coming weeks.

It comes following news that United's top brass, including owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, discussed the club's ongoing on-field problems, as well as potential managerial appointments, during a seven-hour crisis meeting in London on Tuesday. No final decision was made on whether to stick or twist with Ten Hag, but former Chelsea boss Tuchel was reportedly a major talking point during the meeting.

In the summer, Ratcliffe held talks with Tuchel over a possible move to Old Trafford, but no agreement was reached. The German has been out of work since leaving Bayern Munich by mutual consent at the end of last season.

It's understood Tuchel is keen to work in England again, though sources close to the coach claim he hasn't been contacted by United recently. He's also in contention for the England national team job, with the FA currently searching for Southgate's long-term replacement.

Zidane has had something of an unorthodox managerial career. He started out as head coach of Real Madrid B in 2014 before being appointed manager of the senior team in 2016. He went on to win three Champions Leagues on the trot, as well as the La Liga title in 2017, before resigning out of the blue in 2018.

Ten months later, he returned to the Bernabeu and led the club to another La Liga title in 2020. But after ending the 2020/21 season without winning a major trophy, he resigned for the second time.

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