Zinedine Zidane has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to become France manager after this summer's World Cup, according to the Manchester Evening News. The 53-year-old former Real Madrid boss has been out of work since 2021 and was previously linked with Manchester United, but his decision to take the France job removes him from the running for the Old Trafford vacancy. This development could boost Michael Carrick's chances of securing the manager's role on a permanent basis.
Meanwhile, Carrick has warned that Manchester United are set to lose a pivotal player in the next transfer window. Casemiro, the experienced defensive midfielder, will leave the club at the end of his contract despite a return to form this season. Carrick acknowledged the difficulty of replacing him, stating that the position is crucial for tying the team together.
'It's an important position to try and tie everything together,' Carrick said. 'You're connected to the whole team, and that sometimes emotionally, a little bit mentally, showing composure and understanding of the game. Case has had a big influence within the group on that.'
United are chasing a Champions League spot in the Premier League under interim boss Carrick, who hopes to convince the hierarchy to give him the job permanently. The club face several off-field decisions this summer that will shape their future.
