Zinedine Zidane closes in on surprise job amid Man Utd links

Vishal Bhawani

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Zinedine Zidane closes in on surprise job amid Man Utd links image

Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane could be heading back into management — just not where most fans expected.

The French icon, long rumored as a possible Manchester United boss, is reportedly close to taking a role in Turkey.

After four years away from the dugout, the Frenchman might soon trade rest for the restless life of a touchline again.

United’s own struggles add spice to the story. Ruben Amorim’s side has won just once in four games, crashing out of the League Cup in the process.

While the board insists his job is safe, reports continue to swirl about possible replacements. Zidane, a three-time Champions League-winning coach, has always been on that list.

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The twist Zidane fans didn’t see coming

Zidane com a tocha olímpica
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According to Turkish outlet Sabah, Zidane has held talks with Fenerbahce. Another report from Oksijen even claims that a preliminary agreement has been reached.

If true, this would be a shock turn. After all, Zidane once insisted, “I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way.”

He does not speak Turkish, making the potential move even more intriguing.

This apparent deal also rules out, at least for now, any Manchester United connection. Sources close to INEOS reportedly do not view Zidane as part of their long-term vision.

Still, his name continues to hover around Old Trafford whenever the pressure rises on Amorim.

Zidane’s next step has often been linked to the French national team job once Didier Deschamps departs. But this latest development suggests he is ready to return earlier than expected.

For United fans hoping to see Zidane in red, it may feel like a nutmeg gone wrong — all eyes on the ball, only to be caught off guard by a move in another direction.

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Vishal Bhawani

Vishal Bhawani is a sub-editor for the Affiliate Content team and a writer and sub-editor for the Football Wires team at The Sporting News. Based in Indore, India, he holds a Diploma in Operations and Management from Maharashtra University.

Before joining TSN in May 2024, Vishal contributed to Football Express and Six Sports and ran his own blog, Anfield Home, as a passionate Liverpool fan. An avid traveler, he follows multiple sports, including cricket, soccer, and tennis.