Zinedine Zidane has made his feelings clear about potentially taking over at Manchester United, should Ruben Amorim be shown the door.
United's managerial situation has reached a critical juncture as Amorim's position becomes increasingly precarious. The Portuguese manager has suffered defeat in 17 of his 33 Premier League matches since taking charge.
His inability to achieve consecutive victories has intensified speculation about his future at Old Trafford. The recent 3-1 loss to Brentford has further fuelled discussions about potential replacements.
Former France international Zidane has once again surfaced as a prime candidate for the role. The ex-Real Madrid manager remains without a club and has been repeatedly associated with the Manchester United position.
Zinedine Zidane could be in running to manage Manchester United
|GETTY
Gary Neville has suggested that defeat against fifth-placed Sunderland this Saturday could seal Amorim's fate.
Despite his credentials, Zidane has previously expressed specific requirements before considering the Manchester United position. In a 2022 interview with L'Equipe, he acknowledged his limitations with the English language.
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"Would I want to go to Manchester? I understand English, but I'm not completely fluent in it," he stated.
The French legend emphasised his particular approach to management, explaining: "I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way."
He further clarified his philosophy, saying: "Many elements come into play in order to win, it is a global context. I know what I need to win."
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Emmanuel Petit has cast doubts over the potential move
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Emmanuel Petit, who played alongside Zidane for France, has cast doubt on whether his compatriot would accept the Manchester United position.
Speaking in 2024, Petit revealed his scepticism about the potential appointment.
"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 explained.
He highlighted the club's troubled environment, saying: "At the moment, the environment at Manchester United for years has not been good."
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Petit questioned whether Zidane would abandon his comfortable life in Madrid, adding: "Does he want to leave the sunny days of Madrid?
"His life is in Madrid, he is dedicated to Madrid."
The former Arsenal midfielder also expressed concerns about communication barriers.
He continued: "I'm not sure that he speaks very good English as well. And communication is very important in the dressing room."
Ruben Amorim appears to be getting closer to the sack with each result at Manchester United
|REUTERS
Petit further elaborated on the challenges facing any potential successor at Old Trafford.
"If he takes the job at Manchester United, that means he's got solutions. At the moment, I'm not sure a lot of people have the solution to turn the situation at Manchester United," he observed.
Reports suggest Zidane may be waiting for the France national team position after the 2026 World Cup.
Amorim reportedly maintains backing from United's board despite the mounting pressure.