ZINEDINE ZIDANE would prefer to manage Manchester United over Bayern Munich, it’s claimed.
Erik ten Hag’s position at Old Trafford is believed to be under threat due to an inconsistent season.
The Dutchman could leave the club at the end of the season with the Frenchman seen as a potential replacement.
French outlet L’Équipe report that a deal that would see Zidane replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich at the end of the season is close.
However, a number of hurdles need to be sorted before an appointment is sealed.
A huge hurdle, according to the report, is that that Zidane, 51, would prefer to take on the manager role at Manchester United.
READ MORE ON MAN UTD
It is also claimed that the language barrier between Zidane and the Germans, as well as life in Bavaria, are major obstacles.
Bayern remain “extremely keen” on hiring the former Real Madrid boss with Tuchel confirmed to be leaving in the summer.
Zidane is said to respect Bayern and appreciates that a move to the Allianz Arena could provide him the opportunity to challenge for titles immediately.
This may not be the case at the Red Devils who have been well off the pace of the Premier League’s title challengers this season.
Most read in Football
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
GFFN have added that Ineos, who own 25 per cent of Manchester United and head up football operations with Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the helm, are keen on hiring Zidane as part of “a new era” at the club.
The report claims that a language barrier would also be an issue for the manager in England, however it would be less severe than in Germany.
Should Zidane make the move to Man United, then Bayern could turn to Ralf Rangnick to take over at the Allianz Arena.
Zidane has previously managed Real Madrid over two successful spells.
During his tenure, he led the club to two LaLiga titles and three Champions League triumphs.
He has been out of club management since leaving the Spanish giants in 2021.
Former Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea manager Graham Potter has also been linked with Man United.
Club legend Dwight Yorke, however, would prefer Zidane to take over and believes that Potter would be “eaten alive”.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Man United have also been tipped with an interest in Bologna’s Thiago Motta.
The Italian made waves in the football coaching scene when he announced his philosophy to be a 2-7-2.
Zinedine Zidane’s managerial career
Zinedine Zidane began his career in management in June 2014 when he was appointed coach of Real Madrid’s B team.
Zizou spent 18 months in charge of Real Madrid Castilla before being given his shot at the big time following the sacking of Rafael Benitez.
Zidane, 51, took charge of the first team in January 2016 and guided them to a second-place finish in his maiden season at the Bernabeu helm.
But he went one better in the Champions League, sealing Real’s 11th European Cup triumph with a shootout victory over Atletico Madrid.
The former Los Blancos star went one better in the league in the 2016-17 season, in which they also won the Uefa Super Cup and Club World Cup.
A second successive Champions League triumph also followed, with Real beating Italian giants Juventus at the Principality Stadium.
He would create history the following season by becoming the first manager to win the tournament three times on the bounce.
A 3-1 win over Liverpool saw Real become the first team to win Europe’s elite club competition three times in a row.
Zidane announced his resignation five days after the final, insisting the club needed a “change” of direction.
He would return to the Bernabeu in March 2019 following Santiago Solari and Julen Lopetegui’s short reigns.
A return to the summit of Spanish football would follow in the 2019-20 season, in which Real also scooped the Spanish Super Cup.
Zidane would leave the Bernabeu again in June 2021 after overseeing Real’s first trophyless season in 11 years.
Zinedine Zidane’s Honours:
– La Liga: 2016–17, 2019–20
– Supercopa de España: 2017, 2019–20
– UEFA Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
– UEFA Super Cup: 2016, 2017
– FIFA Club World Cup: 2016, 2017
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
