Who wants Zidane the most? Manchester United or Bayern Munich
Which football club would benefit the most from the presence of serial-winner Zinedine Zidane on the sidelines? Assessing the options for the former Real Madrid boss as he contemplates a return to management.
Expressing his desire to return to coaching, the iconic Frenchman declared, "I'd certainly like to return to the bench," triggering significant interest from top clubs across Europe. Despite Zidane specifying Italy as his potential destination, the media buzz that ensued after his statement linked him to several renowned clubs on the continent.
This isn't the first instance where Zidane's name has surfaced in connection with prestigious managerial positions. Since he departed from Real Madrid for the second time in 2021, Zidane has been approached for numerous high-profile roles. However, he has consistently demonstrated a selective approach, rejecting substantial opportunities that failed to ignite his enthusiasm.
Zidane's name has been in the mix for managerial positions on multiple occasions, including reportedly being considered by Manchester United twice—first in 2019 during the conclusion of Jose Mourinho's tenure and more recently in 2021 before the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's interim replacement.
Juventus also expressed interest when Andrea Pirlo departed, ultimately choosing to rehire Max Allegri, who has faced challenges during his time in Turin. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was another potential destination, particularly when it became clear that Christophe Galtier would be dismissed towards the end of the previous season.
Nevertheless, Zidane opted to stay on the sidelines, and the French national team appointed Luis Enrique instead. It's worth noting that Zidane's appeal extends beyond club roles; the US Men's National Team (USMNT) reportedly approached the 51-year-old during an investigation period for Gregg Berhalter. Despite the prospect of leading the United States in the 2026 World Cup on home soil, Zidane showed little inclination to make a move to the United States.
Who wants Zidane the most? Manchester United or Bayern Munich
Determining which club should aggressively pursue the serial winner Zidane is a nuanced decision. While Bayern Munich could benefit from his subtle influence behind the scenes, their impending significant rebuild due to contract uncertainties with longstanding players might indicate a need for a manager with a more comprehensive, forward-thinking approach.
For Bayern, finding someone capable of offering an overarching philosophy for the club, similar to what Guardiola did in 2013 and Nagelsmann aimed for, seems essential. Zidane might not be the most suitable choice for this particular task.
On the other hand, Manchester United appears to be in greater need of a coach who can swiftly secure trophies and restore them to prominence in the Champions League. The broader restructuring responsibility may fall on other potential hires, such as Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox. The prospect of bringing in someone like Zidane, who commands immediate respect both in the locker room and in the media, could complement this wider process. It's understandable why the idea has captured the interest of figures like Ratcliffe.
The possible barrier.
Zidane seems most fitting for a move to a team donning red this summer, but there are hurdles to overcome before either potential transfer is finalized. Beyond the typical financial considerations, both prospective clubs will need to address Zidane's previous remarks regarding language barriers.
In a 2022 interview with L'Equipe, Zidane expressed concerns about certain conditions affecting his coaching decisions, specifically citing language as a potential challenge. He stated, "Language, for example. When people say to me, 'Do you want to go to Manchester?' Well, I understand English but I don’t fully master it. I know there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work differently. To win, many elements come into play. It’s a global context. I know what I need to win."
Consequently, Zidane would require assurance that language-related issues will not impede progress at the club with which he enters negotiations.
