Zinedine Zidane, former Real Madrid manager and three-time Champions League winner, has been appointed as the new Manchester United manager following the dismissal of Erik Ten Hag.
If Thomas Tuchel agrees to become the next manager for the England national football team, following rumored discussions with the Football Association (FA), it could significantly impact his availability for other roles, particularly at Manchester United. This potential decision may delay or even rule out the possibility of Tuchel taking over at Old Trafford, should Erik ten Hag’s tenure come to an end.
Currently, there is ongoing speculation about Tuchel’s future in management and his potential fit at Manchester United. While Erik ten Hag remains in charge, his position has become increasingly precarious following a tense six-hour meeting with key Manchester United stakeholders, including Joel Glazer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and Sir Dave Brailsford. This meeting, which took place in London, came on the heels of a string of poor performances, with United managing only seven wins in their last 30 matches across the Premier League and European competitions.
Though Ten Hag has been given more time to reverse the club’s fortunes, the pressure is mounting. Should results not improve quickly, Manchester United may be forced to consider a managerial change, bringing Tuchel’s name to the forefront of potential successors.
Tuchel, who parted ways with Bayern Munich earlier this year, has built an impressive managerial résumé, most notably leading Chelsea to Champions League victory and achieving success with Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund. His name has been linked to Manchester United for some time, with reports suggesting that he had met with Sir Jim Ratcliffe in Monaco to discuss the role. However, those discussions did not lead to any formal agreement.
Even if Tuchel decides against the England job or is otherwise unavailable, it seems Manchester United may have other options. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, who recently injected £1.3 billion into the club, are reportedly considering another high-profile candidate—Zinedine Zidane.
Zidane, one of the most celebrated managers globally, has been without a managerial role since his departure from Real Madrid in 2021. His achievements at Madrid are nothing short of extraordinary, having won two La Liga titles and three consecutive UEFA Champions League trophies during his tenure. Zidane has long been rumored to be waiting for the right opportunity, particularly the chance to succeed Didier Deschamps as the manager of the French national team. However, with Deschamps likely staying with France until at least the 2026 World Cup, Zidane might be persuaded to consider the Manchester United job if the position becomes available.
For now, Manchester United’s leadership remains committed to supporting Ten Hag as he attempts to navigate the challenging period ahead. However, if the team’s struggles persist, Ten Hag’s job security may be in serious jeopardy, especially after the November international break. Should the club decide it’s time for a change, both Tuchel and Zidane are viewed as prime candidates to take over the reins at Old Trafford.
The next few weeks will be crucial in determining Ten Hag’s fate, as Manchester United will likely assess whether the Dutchman can stabilize the team’s form. Meanwhile, Tuchel’s future hinges on whether he accepts the England manager role, while Zidane could emerge as an attractive alternative if Manchester United seeks a fresh start at the managerial helm. The club’s next steps could have far-reaching implications for its future and its ambitions both domestically and in European competition.
