Zidane's reasoning for rejecting Man Utd as Erik ten Hag replacements

Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United is uncertain, but Ineos admires former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane.

Zinedine Zidane is Ineos' primary managerial target as they search for Erik ten Hag's potential replacement.

Following his official acquisition of a 27.7% share in his childhood club, Manchester United's sporting operations are now under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team. With Ratcliffe in place, major changes are anticipated, and Ten Hag's long-term future still needs to be assured.

The Dutchman has managed a lacklustre campaign and will only have one year left on his contract in the summer. Additionally, he has yet to get Ratcliffe's support in public; according to a recent report, the British billionaire and his group intend to name a new coach to replace him.

Foot Mercato asserts that despite Zidane's lack of employment since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Ineos' dream' of bringing him to Old Trafford. However, the legendary midfielder's legacy lives on, and Jean-Claude Blanc, the current CEO of Ineos, is a huge fan of the former Real Madrid head coach.

Blanc, who will likely be crucial to Manchester United in the future, unsuccessfully attempted to entice Zidane to join Paris Saint-Germain in the past. It is interesting to note that United courted Zidane in the past.

The 51-year-old was strongly connected to United when the team was looking for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's permanent replacement following his dismissal in November 2021. Zidane subsequently stated that United's chances of signing him would be hampered by his poor command of the English language.

When asked about his interest in United in the summer of 2022, he asked, "Would I want to go to Manchester [United]? I am not fluent in English, but I do understand it. 

Although some coaches coach visiting clubs without knowing the language, my approach to coaching is different. There are numerous factors at play; the situation is global. I am aware of what I need to succeed.

During his tenure, Zidane led Real Madrid to three straight Champions League trophies and two La Liga championships. Between 2016 and 2021, he led the Bernabeu for two distinct periods.

In the past, Zidane has been candid about his desire to lead the French national team. However, if he is now willing to rejoin the club's managerial staff, things could get more complicated for United as several elite European teams are expected to be looking for a new head coach this summer.

Many depend on Ten Hag's performance between now and the season's conclusion. United is eight points behind Aston Villa in the race to guarantee a Champions League spot for the following season. However, they still can advance to the FA Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.