Zinedine Zidane set to snub Manchester United after reaching France agreement: Report

Calls for Zinedine Zidane at Manchester United first began after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure. But the Premier League club have suffered a huge blow.

Published on: Mar 23, 2026, 21:29:42 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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For years, Manchester United have been after Zinedine Zidane. Especially after Ruben Amorim's departure, the English giants had intensified their pursuit of the Frenchman. But according to reports, Zidane has reached a verbal agreement with the French football federation and will succeed Didier Deschamps as national team head coach after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Zinedine Zidane has been out of work since leaving Madrid for the second time in 2021. (REUTERS)

Zidane has been out of work since leaving Madrid for the second time in 2021. He has long been seen as a candidate to be the head coach of the French national team, but the money a Premier League side can offer could have tempted him to join United.

Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo sends recovery message after injury sparks 2026 FIFA World Cup concern

He has been regularly linked with United, but reportedly, he was simply waiting for Deschamps, his former teammate and fellow 1998 World Cup winner, to step down. He will be officially named as France's head coach once their World Cup campaign ends. Both parties are yet to agree on the staff, and Zidane hasn't signed a contract.

‘It takes a profile that ticks many boxes’

In an interview with a French newspaper, Philippe Diallo, head of the French federation, was asked about Deschamps ' successor. He didn't reveal any names, but did say that he knows who it is. "It takes a profile that ticks many boxes and which can also be the subject of support from the French people, since this French football team is the team of the French people," he added.

Calls for Zidane at United first began after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's departure. It began once again before Amorin arrived, and after he left. In the past, Zidane has spoken about joining United, but he said he doesn't speak English well. Meanwhile, a former French international fuelled speculation by claiming that Zidane has been taking English lessons.

Zidane's presence in the France squad will be an iconic moment if it actually materialises. The likes of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele could learn a lot from him.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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