Zinedine Zidane holds private talks with INEOS chief over United deal

Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has reportedly held talks with Jean-Claude Blanc, Ineos’ chief executive officer of sport, amid talk of him taking the Manchester United job.

Zidane has been out of work since he left Real Madrid for a second time in May 2021 and has continued to get linked with various jobs across the world of football.

Meanwhile, Manchester United are yet to be convinced with Erik ten Hags‘ performance at the club and are looking at sacking him if things don’t change.

Ineos chief, Blanc has continued to have conversations with Zidane, who is yet to decide if he wants to return to management. The Frenchman is seen as an ideal replacement for Ten Hag.

According to The Independent, Ineos are admirers of Zidane and they intend to keep that connection open should there be a change to their own situation.

Zidane has been able to enjoy notable success as a player and a coach, United believes he has what it takes to take the team back to its glory days. However, for now it looks as if United will stick by Ten Hag despite their worst ever start to a Premier League season.

The international break presented Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co with the opportunity to make a change, but with domestic matters soon returning that now appears unlikely.

A seven-hour meeting was held in London, featuring all of the major decision makers from Old Trafford, but no ruthless calls were made.

During the meeting it is understood that a lack of quality available coaches was a factor in their decision to stand by the Dutchman. Zidane is leading the race to replace Ten Hag but has also been linked to the France national team.