Former France midfielder Emmanuel Petit has urged Manchester United’s co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, to consider appointing Zinedine Zidane as the club’s manager.
Despite Manchester United’s poor start to the season, Ratcliffe has chosen to back Erik ten Hag for the time being.
However, pressure is mounting after a series of disappointing performances.United have managed only three wins in their first ten matches across all competitions, and Ten Hag recently survived a meeting with the club’s top hierarchy.
If the team’s form does not improve soon, Ratcliffe may be forced to explore other managerial options, with Zidane among the names being discussed.Zidane, who has been without a coaching role since leaving Real Madrid, remains available.
Petit, a former teammate of Zidane, believes the French legend could be tempted by the challenge at Old Trafford, but only under specific conditions.
Speaking with Manchester Evening News, Petit emphasized that Zidane would require assurances from the club regarding transfer decisions and job security before considering the role.
“I’m not sure Zidane speaks fluent English, which could make communication in the dressing room challenging,” Petit noted. “From what I know about Zizou, he would need guarantees to sign with Manchester United.
The current environment at the club has been unstable for years, and that’s something he’ll be very cautious about.”Petit also expressed doubts about the quality of United’s squad, stressing that Zidane would only take the job if the right solutions were in place.
“United is still a massive club, but on the pitch, they don’t have the same stature as they once did,” Petit observed.
“Zidane is very conscious of the importance of player quality, and looking at the team right now, I’m not convinced by some of the individuals in the squad.
If he agrees to take the job, it would mean he has a plan to turn things around.
“With United struggling to recapture their former glory, Zidane’s arrival could offer the club a fresh direction, but only if the right conditions are met to attract the decorated coach.
