Man Utd told one key reason why Zinedine Zidane wouldn’t take Man Utd job
French legend Zinedine Zidane would not take on the Manchester United job as he doesn't speak English.
That's according to former France international William Gallas, who insists that United fans should now dismiss any speculation of Zidane taking up a management role at Old Trafford, or in the Premier League in general. Zidane has been frequently linked with the Old Trafford hot seat amid uncertainties about Erik ten Hag's future, despite the Dutchman only extending his contract in the summer.
Following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in United, there's been much anticipation that he wants his own man in the dugout, especially following United's shaky start to the new season after just three games played. Despite a pool of potential replacements speculated on towards the end of last season, it is rumoured that Zidane was Ratcliffe's preferred option to succeed Ten Hag.
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Nonetheless, ex-Chelsea centre-back Gallas doubts that Zidane, who has remained without a club since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021 and has been considered by a number of elite European clubs, would accept a position where he couldn't communicate effectively with his squad. According to the ex-defender, theres a specific opportunity Zidane might be waiting for, as per the Mirror.
"Manchester United fans should forget about Zinedine Zidane, he won't take the job and the main reason is that he doesn't speak English," Gallas told Gambling Zone.
"He won't want to put himself in that situation where he would need to learn the language and I think that's fair. He needs the players to understand what he expects from them and to have that relationship where he can have fun and joke around. He won't accept the job if an offer came in and I don't think we will see him in the Premier League anytime soon."
The ex-Arsenal and Spurs star also hinted that the 52-year-old is holding out for a call from his home country, having already dominated the domestic game. He added: "I think he is still waiting for the France national team job. He won everything there is to win with Real Madrid and he only has one job on his mind now."
Zidane has previously admitted that while he does understand English, he doesn't believe it's as proficient as it needs to be to move to the UK. In a chat with L'Equipe, he said: "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."
Zidane's managerial credibility went through the roof following his hugely successful tenure at Real Madrid. The World Cup winner took the reins of the club in January 2016 and clinched the Champions League against city rivals Atletico in his debut season.
Zidane then led his team to two consecutive Champions League victories in 2017 and 2018. In addition to their European successes, he also guided Real Madrid to the LaLiga title in the 2016-17 season.
Under his leadership, Madrid also won two FIFA Club World Cup titles and two UEFA Super Cups. However, he stepped down from his role at Madrid in 2018, stating that he needed a change.
His hiatus from football was brief though, and less than a year later, Zidane returned to Real Madrid and steered the club to another LaLiga title in 2020. Since leaving the Bernabeu, the ex-Juventus star has declined several high-profile roles, including offers from Bayern Munich and various national teams.
However, it seems United fans hoping for the Frenchman to come to Old Trafford may be left disappointed. While the former Champions League winner has hinted at a return to management if the right opportunity arises, it now appears unlikely that it will be at United, or any other Premier League based club.