Zinedine Zidane has long been linked with a move to Manchester United, but the French legend is far from rushing into a decision. According to former teammate Emmanuel Petit, Zidane would only consider taking over at Old Trafford if two key conditions are met: a competitive squad capable of challenging at the top, and a stable long-term project that avoids the managerial turmoil that has haunted United for more than a decade.
Zidane’s Coaching Legacy and Current Status
Zinedine Zidane is one of the most iconic figures in modern football, not just for his achievements on the pitch as a player, but also for his success as a coach. During his two stints at Real Madrid, Zidane collected three consecutive Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles, and established himself as one of the few managers to successfully handle a dressing room full of global superstars.
Since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane has taken a step back from management. He has been linked with several high-profile jobs, including the French national team, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and most persistently, Manchester United. However, Zidane has resisted returning to the dugout, carefully weighing his options for the next chapter of his career.
United’s struggles in recent years, combined with their global stature, have fueled speculation that Zidane could be the man to revive the fallen giants of English football. But as Petit revealed, Zidane has set two strict conditions before even considering the role.
Condition One: A Competitive Squad Capable of Winning
The first demand Zidane has is straightforward but crucial: Manchester United must provide him with a squad strong enough to compete at the highest level, both domestically and in Europe. Zidane is fully aware of United’s decline since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
Over the past decade, United have spent heavily in the transfer market, yet the results on the pitch have been inconsistent. From high-profile signings like Paul Pogba, Jadon Sancho, and Antony, to a revolving door of managers with different philosophies, the club has struggled to build a coherent identity.
Zidane, known for his tactical pragmatism and man-management skills, thrives with players who can adapt to his system and deliver under pressure. He is unlikely to risk his reputation by taking charge of a squad riddled with gaps and lacking the quality to challenge Manchester City, Liverpool, or even Arsenal.
For Zidane, the squad must not only be talented but also balanced. That means having depth across all positions, leadership in the dressing room, and the right mix of youth and experience. Without this foundation, Zidane reportedly sees little value in stepping into what could be another short-lived and frustrating tenure.
Condition Two: A Stable and Long-Term Project
The second condition is arguably even more important: stability. Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, Manchester United have cycled through managers at an alarming rate — David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Erik ten Hag, and now Rúben Amorim.
This revolving door has created a culture of short-term fixes, with each new manager bringing in their own players, only for the next one to abandon the project halfway through. Zidane is determined to avoid becoming just another name in this cycle.
He wants assurances that he will be given time, trust, and resources to build something lasting. At Real Madrid, Zidane enjoyed the support of the board and was allowed to implement his ideas with minimal interference. He expects a similar environment if he is to succeed at Old Trafford.
Moreover, Zidane is keenly aware that without organizational stability, even the strongest squads can crumble. That stability must extend beyond the manager’s office to the boardroom, recruitment department, and long-term vision of the club.
Emmanuel Petit’s Perspective
Emmanuel Petit, Zidane’s former teammate with the French national team, shed light on Zidane’s mindset during a recent interview. He explained:
“Manchester United are still a big club, but on the pitch, they are not what they used to be. Zidane is very cautious. If he accepts the job, it will mean that he has seen real solutions to rebuild the team.”
Petit’s words underline the caution with which Zidane is approaching his managerial future. He is not driven by desperation or the need to prove himself — his track record already speaks volumes. Instead, Zidane wants the right circumstances that allow him to succeed.
Manchester United’s Current Crisis
As of September 2025, Manchester United are struggling in the Premier League. A 1-3 defeat to Brentford has left Rúben Amorim under intense pressure, with the team slipping to 14th place in the standings. Six matches into the campaign, United have only collected 7 points and conceded 11 goals, an alarming statistic for a club of their stature.
According to BBC Sport, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is still keen to give Amorim the full season, but the patience of the board and supporters is wearing thin. If results do not improve quickly, United may have no choice but to look for a new manager — and Zidane’s name will inevitably resurface.
Could Zidane Be the Right Fit for United?
The question remains: is Zidane the right man for the job, and is United the right club for Zidane?
On one hand, Zidane brings with him unmatched pedigree, proven success at the highest level, and the charisma to command respect in the dressing room. His ability to manage big personalities, motivate players, and deliver results in high-pressure environments makes him an ideal candidate for a club of United’s stature.
On the other hand, United’s chaotic structure and lack of clear direction could clash with Zidane’s demands. Unless the club addresses its internal dysfunction, even a manager of Zidane’s caliber may struggle to succeed.
The Bigger Picture: Zidane’s Managerial Philosophy
To better understand why Zidane insists on these two conditions, it is important to examine his managerial philosophy. Zidane is not a tactical ideologue like Pep Guardiola or Jürgen Klopp. Instead, he is a pragmatic coach who adapts his system to the strengths of his players.
At Real Madrid, he relied on the brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modrić, and Sergio Ramos, but he also nurtured younger talents and rotated his squad effectively. His focus on man-management, motivation, and fostering team spirit set him apart.
For Zidane, success comes from harmony — between the squad, the coaching staff, and the club’s hierarchy. Without that harmony, he sees little point in taking on the monumental challenge of reviving Manchester United.
Conclusion: Zidane’s Future and United’s Dilemma
Zinedine Zidane’s potential arrival at Old Trafford would be one of the most seismic managerial moves in recent football history. Yet, it remains far from guaranteed. Zidane’s two conditions — a competitive squad and a stable project — highlight both his ambition and his caution.
For Manchester United, the dilemma is clear. If they want a manager of Zidane’s caliber, they must first put their house in order. That means building a squad worthy of competing at the top and creating an environment that supports long-term success.
Until then, Zidane is likely to remain on the sidelines, waiting for the right opportunity. And for United fans, the dream of seeing “Zizou” in the dugout at Old Trafford will remain just that — a dream, unless the club takes meaningful steps to address its deep-rooted problems.