In a significant blow to Sir Jim Ratcliffe's new regime, Manchester United have been rebuffed in their attempts to sound out legendary Frenchman Zinedine Zidane for their managerial hot-seat, according to exclusive reports.
The Mirror can reveal that the former Real Madrid maestro, a three-time Champions League-winning coach, has turned his back on a potential approach from the Old Trafford hierarchy. This development throws a major spanner in the works for United's meticulous search for a potential successor to the under-pressure Erik ten Hag.
Amorim Emerges as the New Frontrunner
With the Zidane dream appearing to be over before it even began, the Red Devils' search has now zeroed in on a new primary target: Sporting Lisbon's highly sought-after coach, Ruben Amorim.
The 39-year-old Portuguese tactician has shot to prominence after guiding Sporting to a dramatic Primeira Liga title in 2021, breaking the duopoly of Porto and Benfica. His dynamic, attack-minded philosophy and proven track record of developing young talent have made him one of the most exciting managerial prospects in European football.
Amorim is now believed to be the favoured candidate within the United boardroom, with initial contact reportedly already made to gauge his interest in a potential summer move to the Theatre of Dreams.
Why Zidane Said 'Non' to United
The reasons behind Zidane's apparent reluctance are multifaceted. The 1998 Ballon d'Or winner is famously selective about his projects and is understood to be holding out for one of two specific roles:
- The French National Team: Zidane's ultimate ambition is widely believed to be managing Les Bleus. With Didier Deschamps' contract expiring after the 2026 World Cup, Zidane is poised and waiting for the call from the FFF.
- An Italian Challenge: The other role that could tempt him out of his sabbatical is at Serie A giants Juventus, where he enjoyed a glittering five-year spell as a player, or perhaps even Marseille.
The current project at Manchester United, despite its illustrious history, is viewed as a mammoth rebuilding job—a challenge the meticulous Zidane seems to have deemed too great a risk at this stage of his esteemed career.
Ten Hag's Fate Hangs in the Balance
This frantic search for alternatives casts a long shadow over the future of current boss Erik ten Hag. Despite delivering an FA Cup final last season, the Dutchman's tenure has been plagued by inconsistent Premier League form and a disappointing Champions League group-stage exit.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are conducting a thorough end-of-season review. Ten Hag's fate is uncertain, and the fact they are actively courting managers of the calibre of Amorim suggests they are preparing for a future without him at the helm.
For now, the managerial carousel continues to spin. All eyes are on Ruben Amorim and whether he will be the chosen one to lead Manchester United into a new, ambitious era under Ratcliffe.
