Zinedine Zidane attends club's training session as Erik ten Hag fights to save Manchester United job
Zinedine Zidane has opted to stay out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, but the Frenchman has been heavily linked with both the Manchester United and France jobs
Zinedine Zidane was seen taking in a Real Betis training session as speculation regarding Erik ten Hag's uncertain future at Manchester United continues to swirl.
Zidane, who has only ever managed Real Madrid, led the Spanish giants to two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies during his two stints at the club.
The French football legend left the club for the second time in 2021 and was succeeded by Carlo Ancelotti. He has since remained out of management despite persistent rumours linking him with the United job and replacing Didier Deschamps as the French national team coach.
Zidane, not one to court publicity, was unexpectedly seen at a Real Betis training session recently - an image that quickly spread across social media.
The 52-year-old was spotted watching the session on Wednesday, which marked the first time his son, Elyaz, trained with the first team at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol.
Elyaz, an 18-year-old defender, left Real Madrid after 11 years to join Betis, now managed by ex-Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, earlier this year and was under the watchful eye of his legendary father in sunny Seville.
While Zidane might not be making any moves to return to the dugout just yet, those at Manchester United could be tempted to cast a glance his way should Erik ten Hag's shaky start to the season continue. With two defeats in their first three games, including a crushing 3-0 loss at home to Liverpool, the pressure is already mounting for the Dutchman.
Adding fuel to the fire, Man United legend Cristiano Ronaldo has seemingly thrown shade at Ten Hag following their fallout in late 2022, which led to his second exit from the club.
Speaking ahead of Portugal's kick-off in the Nations League, the Al-Nassr striker took a subtle dig, saying: "Until the end of my career, I will always have the mindset that I will be a starter. I will always respect the decisions, not only of the coach, but at the clubs I played for I have always respected them... once or twice, they also behaved badly towards me (laughs)."
"But seriously, whenever there is professional ethics, I will always respect the coaches' decisions. When it goes against professional ethics, there can always be controversy, but that's separate."
United fans are keenly awaiting the team's bounce back after the international break, with hopes high for their upcoming match against Southampton on Saturday.
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