Zinedine Zidane has ‘named the only three clubs that he would manage’, claims former Real Madrid team-mate… as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Man United consider ‘appointing the Frenchman’ at Old Trafford
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly wants Zinedine Zidane to join Manchester United
- A former teammate of Zidane has now revealed which three clubs he would manage
- ‘The mouse is in a corner!’ Watch and discover the latest goings on at Chris Sutton’s farm, as his cats benefit: It’s all Kicking Off podcast
Zinedine Zidane has named the only three clubs he would like to manage, according to a former teammate of the Frenchman.
Zidane, 51, has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 but still remains an in-demand talent, with Man United reportedly interested in his services.
It is claimed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe – who recently acquired a 27.7% stake in the club – wants to become Zidane United’s next permanent manager.
Despite the British billionaire’s wishes, United may have to look elsewhere after a former Real Madrid team-mate of Zidane revealed his three-club wishlist.
Former Denmark star Thomas Gravesen spoke to Discovery+ about the Frenchman and remembered a conversation they had two years ago.
Zinedine Zidane named the only three clubs he would manage, a former teammate claims
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly interested in bringing the Frenchman to Manchester United
He said: ‘I spoke to Zidane in Madrid two years ago and he told me there are only three roles he would like to accept.
‘And those are Marseille, Madrid and the French team. We were in Madrid two years ago and he told me exactly that.
‘I also asked him if’ I was willing to train again. And there he told me that there were only options for those three.’
Gravesen then addressed rumors that Zidane could move to Old Trafford, suggesting it is ‘very difficult to do anything’ with the current United team.
He continued: āI would say the team he had in Madrid was fantastic, and he was prepared from the start.
‘The situation is different at United, it is very difficult to do anything with the team that Ten Hag currently has.’
Madrid remains the only team Zidane has managed since retiring from his legendary playing career in 2006 after the FIFA World Cup.
Meanwhile, French journalist Julien Laurens recently gave two reasons why he thinks the former Madrid boss would never opt for a move to England.
Laurens said RMC Sports: “I’ve always been told that the language barrier in terms of his English, which he doesn’t speak and doesn’t necessarily want to learn, has always been an obstacle to him coming to the Premier League.”
‘I don’t think he likes life in England either. He didn’t want to come as a player or as a manager.’
United are reportedly keen to bring in Zidane to replace Erik ten Hag (L) at Old Trafford
Zidane’s former teammate Thomas Gravesen also cast doubt on United’s current state
The 51-year-old first started his managerial career with Real Madrid’s B-team before being promoted to the first-team position in 2016 and reappointed to the role in 2019.
Zidane’s remarkable success earned Madrid two LaLiga and Spanish Super Cup titles, three Champions League titles and other major team honors.
His second spell as manager in the Spanish capital came to a disappointing end when Zidane attempted to leave after a league title race that saw Madrid lose to Atletico on the final day of the season.
United are looking to tempt the French World Cup winner to Old Trafford this summer and believe he can help build a long-term project of success at the club.
