⚽The pair of demands Zidane could make if Manchester United want him to replace Amorim.

Zinedine Zidane is said to be open to managing Manchester United only if two major conditions are met, as per his former teammate Emmanuel Petit.

 

The 53-year-old French icon has frequently been associated with the managerial role at Old Trafford. Nonetheless, Ruben Amorim remains in charge, despite facing early challenges in his Manchester tenure. Under Amorim, United have accumulated only 28 points from 29 league games, with their latest disappointment being a 1-1 draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage.

 

That match did at least give the Red Devils their first point of the current Premier League season, but they currently sit 16th in the standings after two fixtures.

 

Amorim has received backing during the transfer window with significant arrivals like Benjamin Sesko, Diego Leon, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. Still, performances continue to fall short, resembling last season’s difficulties when United finished 15th and suffered a painful Europa League final defeat to Spurs. While the board is still showing support for the Portuguese manager, continued poor form will likely threaten his job security.

 

Should a change occur, a number of candidates are already being linked as replacements. Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace and ex-England boss Gareth Southgate are currently the top favorites, while Zidane shares fifth place in the odds alongside Marco Silva and Unai Emery.

 

Petit had earlier pointed out that Zidane would want clear commitments before agreeing to take over. In a 2024 statement, he said: “I don’t think Zidane’s English is strong, and communication is vital in a dressing room. Knowing him, he would need serious guarantees before taking Manchester United. The club hasn’t had stability for years, the players’ level isn’t what it once was, and expectations are far removed from the Ferguson era.”

 

He further stated: “United are still a massive club, but not on the pitch right now. Zidane is very careful about the environment and the quality of players. If he does take over, he’ll need solutions in place.”

 

Since departing Real Madrid in 2021—where he notably led the club to three Champions League titles and two La Liga wins—Zidane has stayed away from management. He remains closely tied to the France national team role, which is expected to become available after Didier Deschamps steps down following the 2

026 World Cup.