Coming live from Old Trafford, Zinedine Zidane is spotted attending Manchester United’s training session as it seems he is ready to leave retirement to take on a new job while Erik Ten Hag battles to keep his job at Manchester United.
Zinedine Zidane has remained away from management since departing Real Madrid in 2021, though he has been frequently linked with both the Manchester United and France managerial positions.
Zinedine Zidane was recently spotted attending a Real Betis training session, fueling ongoing speculation about Erik ten Hag’s uncertain position at Manchester United.
Zidane, who has only managed Real Madrid, led the club to two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies during his two tenures.
After leaving Madrid in 2021, he has stayed out of management, despite ongoing rumors linking him to the Manchester United job and the possibility of succeeding Didier Deschamps as France’s national team coach.
His unexpected appearance at the Real Betis training session quickly gained attention on social media.
The 52-year-old Zidane was seen observing the training session on Wednesday, marking the first time his son, Elyaz, participated with the first team at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol.
Elyaz, an 18-year-old defender, left Real Madrid after 11 years to join Real Betis, now coached by former Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, earlier this year. Zidane was there in sunny Seville, watching his son’s progress.
While Zidane might not be planning a return to management just yet, Manchester United might start considering him as an option if Erik ten Hag’s rocky start to the season continues.
With two losses in their first three games, including a heavy 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool, the pressure on the Dutchman is already mounting.
Adding to the speculation, Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo has seemingly taken a swipe at Erik ten Hag following their fallout in late 2022, which resulted in Ronaldo’s second departure from the club.
Speaking ahead of Portugal’s Nations League kick-off, the Al-Nassr striker made a subtle jab, stating, “Until the end of my career, I will always have the mindset that I am a starter.
I will always respect decisions, not only from the coach but also from the clubs I played for—I have always respected them… though once or twice, they also treated me badly (laughs).”
“But seriously, as long as there is professional ethics, I will always respect the coaches’ decisions. When those ethics are compromised, there can be controversy, but that’s another matter.”
United fans are eagerly anticipating the team’s response after the international break, with high hopes for their upcoming match against Southampton on Saturday.