Man Utd receive Zinedine Zidane boost as Erik ten Hag saga takes interesting twist

chances of securing as their new manager have been given a lift, with rumours swirling about the Frenchman stepping in to replace .

The Red Devils have endured a disastrous beginning to the season, managing only two wins from their first seven Premier League games.

They currently sit 14th, a mere five points clear of the drop zone, and it is believed that Ten Hag has only a match or two left to reverse their fortunes and start delivering results.

If Ten Hag is shown the door, potential replacements include Zidane, Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate.

United have long admired Zidane, who has been out of work since resigning from Real Madrid in 2021. Despite the 52-year-old previously rejecting their overtures, he recently expressed a desire to return to management.

However, United are not the only club vying for Zidane's services. The French FA are said to be considering the ex-Real Madrid midfielder as a possible successor to France manager Didier Deschamps.

Yet, according to French media outlet , Deschamps has no intention of stepping down in the near future.

It is also suggested that the 55-year-old, who has lifted the World Cup both as a player and a manager, is keen to stop Zidane from taking over his role, fearing his former colleague could overshadow his legacy.

Consequently, United might have an unopposed opportunity to secure Zizou should they decide to part ways with Ten Hag in the upcoming weeks.

United's top brass, including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, held a seven-hour crisis meeting in London on Tuesday to discuss the club's ongoing issues and potential managerial appointments.

No final decision was made regarding Ten Hag, but former Chelsea boss Tuchel was reportedly a key topic of discussion.

Over the summer, Ratcliffe had discussions with Tuchel about a possible move to Old Trafford, but no agreement was reached. The German has been jobless since leaving Bayern Munich by mutual consent at the end of last season.

It is believed that Tuchel is eager to work in England again, although sources close to the coach say he hasn't been contacted by United recently.

He is also being considered for the England job, as the FA is currently looking for Southgate's long-term successor.

Zidane's managerial career has been somewhat unconventional. He began as head coach of Real Madrid B in 2014 before being promoted to manager of the senior team in 2016.

He went on to win three consecutive Champions Leagues and the La Liga title in 2017, before unexpectedly resigning in 2018.

Ten months later, he returned to the Bernabeu and guided the club to another La Liga title in 2020. However, after the 2020/21 season ended without a major trophy, he resigned for the second time.