- Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly wants Zinedine Zidane to join Manchester United
- A former teammate of Zidane has already revealed the three clubs he would manage
- ‘The mouse is cornered!’ Tune in to hear about the latest happenings on Chris Sutton’s farm, as his cats take advantage. Podcast Everything is beginning
Zinedine Zidane has named the only three clubs he would choose to manage, according to a former teammate of the Frenchman.
Zidane, 51, has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 but remains a sought-after talent and Man United are reportedly interested in his services.
Reports have claimed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently acquired a 27.7% stake in the club, wants to be Zidane United’s next permanent manager.
However, despite the British billionaire’s wishes, United may have to look elsewhere after Zidane’s former Real Madrid teammate revealed his three-club wish list.
Former Danish star Thomas Gravesen spoke with Discovery+ about French and remembered a conversation they had two years ago.
Zinedine Zidane named the only three clubs he would manage, says former teammate
Sir Jim Ratcliffe would be interested in bringing the Frenchman to Manchester United
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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 they 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 he was willing to train again. And there he told me that there were possibilities only 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.
He continued: ‘I would say the team I had in Madrid was fantastic and prepared from the start.
“At United the situation is different, it is very difficult to do something with the team that Ten Hag has at the moment.”
Madrid remains the only team Zidane has managed since he retired from his legendary playing career in 2006, following that year’s FIFA World Cup.
United are reportedly interested in signing Zidane to replace Erik ten Hag (left) at Old Trafford.
Zidane’s former teammate, Thomas Gravesen, also questioned United’s current state
The 51-year-old began his managerial career in Real Madrid’s B team before being promoted to the first-team position in 2016 and re-appointed to that role in 2019.
Zidane’s extraordinary success brought Madrid two LaLiga and Spanish Super Cup titles, three Champions Leagues and other major team honors.
His second spell as manager in the Spanish capital came to a disappointing end when Zidane attempted to leave following a league title race that Madrid lost to Atlético on the final day of the season.
United want to tempt the French World Cup winner to Old Trafford in the summer and believe he can help build a successful long-term project at the club.
