Zinedine Zidane says he is ready to return to football management - three months after leaving Real Madrid.
The 46-year-old Frenchman quit Real just days after winning the Champions League for the third time in a row. Quoted by Spanish newspaper Marca, he told TVE: “I am sure that I will coach again before long. This is what I like and what I have done all my life.”
Zidane has been linked with a move to Manchester United as a replacement for current Old Trafford boss Jose Mourinho.
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The Portuguese is under fire after a poor start to the season and if he is sacked by United, Zidane is favourite to replace the “Special One”.
The Daily Mirror reports that Zidane “has a burning ambition to manage in the Premier League” and is preparing for life in England’s top-flight.
According to the newspaper, Zidane has already drawn up a shortlist of transfer targets should he take over the Red Devils.
On the list are Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos, Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara, Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani and Bayern Munich’s James Rodriguez, who is on loan from Real.
Cantona: Mourinho not for United
Manchester United legend Eric Cantona has criticised Mourinho’s style of play and believes the club should have appointed Pep Guardiola as boss.
“King Eric”, who won four Premier League titles as a United player, is disappointed with the club’s progress under Mourinho.
Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Cantona said: “Manchester United is a great club and will always be great. They will win things, I know they will.
“But the way they play? Not good. The manager has them playing the wrong way for the fans. No fun, no creativity.
“I like Mourinho. He has a good personality but not for United - they should have [Pep] Guardiola as coach. He should be there, but he is doing magic with that other club. The club I cannot name.”
Last season Guardiola led Manchester City to the Premier League title with a record 100 points. City finished 19 points clear of rivals United, who were second.
