Manchester United have set the record straight when it comes to Zinedine Zidane, according to reports.
The Real Madrid legend has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford amid their issues under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. However, it doesn’t seem like the 49-year-old will be taking over at Old Trafford.
United have endured a torrid season under Solskjaer so far.
Despite backing the Norwegian in the summer transfer window, and giving him a three-year contract at Old Trafford, the Red Devils have been in woeful form.
After losing six of their last 12 matches across all competitions they’re already out of the Carabao Cup, while they’re already nine points behind Chelsea in the race for the title.
With United in freefall, Zidane has emerged as a possible option to take over.
The Frenchman is available, having left Real Madrid in the summer after growing frustrated at Florentino Perez’s refusal to sign his top transfer targets.
But The Athletic say United have now set the record straight.
It’s claimed the Red Devils have denied suggestions they’re interested in Zidane at the current moment in time.
And it’s also put forward that Zidane would prefer the France job, anyway, which rules him out of contention.
So, now, United could go after other managerial targets instead.
Fresh links to Brendan Rodgers have arisen, with reports claiming the Northern-Irishman is ready to ‘say yes’ to the Red Devils.
The problem is, however, that some at United are divided over whether to give Solskjaer more time or not.
Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino are other options, despite their commitments to Ajax and Paris Saint-Germain.
And while United have previously held talks with Ralf Rangnick, the board were unsure if the 63-year-old is too combative for the role.
Zidane hit out at Perez back in the summer, meanwhile, admitting he felt he wasn’t given enough power in Madrid.
“I am not abandoning ship and I am not tired of coaching,” Zidane wrote.
“I am going because I feel that the club no longer gives me the trust I need and doesn’t offer me the support needed to build something in the mid and long term.
“Over the last few months, I would have liked my relationship with the club and the president to have been a bit different to that of other managers.”
Raymond Domenech told Zidane to consider the United job last month, believing Cristiano Ronaldo could entice him to the Premier League.
“What job is he made for when he’s been a multiple Champions League winner with Real Madrid?” he said.
“What’s left? [Manchester] City, United, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich? There’s five or six clubs.
“After that, if he takes another club, they’re a step down for him, for someone of his level.
“There comes a point when you can’t let that possibility slip.
“He’s also got, with Ronaldo, a direct relay, a translator from Spanish to English.
“He’ll also get away from people who say he only achieved what he did because it was Real Madrid because he knew the players and he’ll prove he’s really a top manager.
“That’s why I tell him: go for it. Or stay in your comfort, but I don’t think that’s his desire.”