Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already given Zinedine Zidane assurances over taking Manchester United job

Manchester United target Zinedine Zidane continues to be linked with the top job at Old Trafford as a result of the club's struggles so far this season under Erik ten Hag

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's vow to re-establish Manchester United as a world-class force in football will not be lost on long-term target Zinedine Zidane.

The legendary Frenchman, 52, has been linked with United many times over the last few years and it's known that the former Real Madrid head coach has admirers within Ineos, including Jean Claude Blanc.

Zidane's name has resurfaced in recent weeks due to the precarious position Erik ten Hag now finds himself in. The Dutchman has overseen a poor start to the season and his future was discussed by United's top brass as recently as last week.

While it seems as though Ten Hag has been handed a reprieve for now, United's interest in Zidane is unlikely to wane - even if it remains to be seen whether he would actually consider taking over at Old Trafford.

United's standing in the game has taken a hit in recent years due to a lean period since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down back in 2013.

Ratcliffe's goals for the club, though, could convince somebody of Zidane's ilk to consider coming in. Speaking after his investment in the club was confirmed in December, the Ineos chief said: “To become co-owner of Manchester United is a great honour and comes with great responsibility.

“This marks the completion of the transaction, but just the beginning of our journey to take Manchester United back to the top of English, European and world football, with world-class facilities for our fans. Work to achieve those objectives will accelerate from today.”

Join the debate! Do you think Zidane would be a good choice for Man Utd? Let us know here.

While Zidane's agent has previously played down the chances of his client managing in England due to the language barrier, the midfielder's former France team-mate, Emmanuel Petit, reckons he would consider taking over at United if the playing squad was improved to a higher standard.

“I'm not sure that he speaks very good English as well. And communication is very important in the dressing room. Honestly, I know a little bit, Zizou [Zidane], and he needs to get guarantees if he wants to sign over there in Manchester United,” Petit told The Manchester Evening News.

“At the moment, the environment at Manchester United for years has not been good. The stability of the bench, the level of the players as well, the expectation of the club is not the same that it used to be. United is still a huge club, but not on the pitch anymore.

“And Zizou is very conscious and very careful about that, the quality of the players. At the moment, when you look at the team, I'm not convinced at all about the level of some players. If he takes the job at Manchester United, that means he's got solutions.”

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.