Zinedine Zidane 'managerial dream' puts Man United on notice as Erik ten Hag clings onto job

Manchester United may have very little time to acquire the managerial services of Zinedine Zidane should Erik ten Hag be shown the door.

The Dutchman has had a rocky start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, with United currently sitting in 12th place after eight played. While the Red Devils have three wins to their name thus far, draws against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, plus 3-0 thrashings from Liverpool and Spurs has put Ten Hag's future with the club in question.

It comes off the back of United's eighth-placed finish last season, the club's lowest since the inception of the Premier League in 1992. All of that combined has sparked speculation over Ten Hag's future, which began in the summer before he was rewarded with a one-year contract extension.

READ MORE: Zinedine Zidane's three-word verdict on Man United job amid Erik ten Hag pressure

READ MORE: I've just made history with Real Madrid - but I wanted to do it with Manchester United

Real Madrid and Juventus legend Zidane is one name who has been linked with the job for some time now, having not managed a club since his impressive stint with Los Blancos three years ago. However, United may want to make a move fast if they have any intentions of securing his services.

That's because, according to Calciomercato, the Saudi Arabian national team are reportedly dreaming of making the Frenchman their new manager. Former Man City boss Roberto Mancini is the current incumbent and has only been in charge for a year, but it is claimed the Italian and his staff are ready to part ways with the Middle East following controversies on and off the pitch.

The 59-year-old is said to have argued with fans after the nation's goalless draw with Bahrain last week, while he is also said to have criticised the Saudi Pro League, further ruffling feathers. He also exited the pitch prematurely after South Korea scored a winning penalty against Saudi Arabia in their second-round Asian Cup triumph.

Should United still be searching for a replacement for Ten Hag, they could therefore face a battle against Saudi Arabia. However, one positive is that Zidane has previously hinted that he could consider taking the reins at Old Trafford.

In a 2022 interview with L'Equipe, the Frenchman said: "Never say never," with regards to managing in England, adding: "Especially when you are a coach today. If I go back to a club, it is to win. I say this with all modesty." However, Zidane has also pointed out one specific problem with managing any team in England, let alone the Red Devils.

He explained: "That's why I can't just go anywhere. For other reasons, too. Certain conditions make things more difficult. When someone says to me, 'Do you want to go to Manchester [United]? ' 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. Of course, I might not always win, but I know that you need to have this, this and this. And I want to do everything on my side to optimise my chances of victory."

Earlier this month, it was reported that United were looking to appoint German manager Thomas Tuchel to take over from Ten Hag. However, a deal never quite came to fruition, with the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea manager stepping up to take the England national job following Gareth Southgate's resignation after Euro 2024 this summer.

Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.