ZINEDINE ZIDANE has been tipped to become Manchester United manager by his former team-mate.

The Frenchman has been out of work since his second spell in charge of Real Madrid ended in 2021.

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Zinedine Zidane is open to joining a Premier League side, claims his former team-mateCredit: Splash

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Zidane and Julio Baptista played together during the legend’s final year at Real MadridCredit: Getty

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Erik ten Hag is under pressure at Man UtdCredit: AFP
Zidane has been linked with a return to management and Julio Baptista believes he would be open to joining Man Utd.

He exclusively told Ladbrokes Fanzone: “I think he will be a Premier League manager someday.

“He is an incredible coach, with amazing experience having won the Champions League, so I can see that happening.

“I can see him going to Manchester United.”

Amid pressure on Erik ten Hag, reports suggest he will not be sacked at the end of the season.

However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is already in the process of identifying a new gaffer should he choose to axe the Dutchman or let him go when his contract expires at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

It has also been reported that new CEO Omar Berrada and incoming director of football Dan Ashworth will have the final say on Ten Hag’s future.

They will also be in charge of identifying his replacement.

Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate are some of the names on their radar.

Zidane and Baptista were team-mates during the legendary midfielder’s final year at Real Madrid in 2006.

Baptista, who also used to play for Arsenal, added: “Zidane was the best player I have ever played with. Playing with him and sharing a dressing room with him was very special.

“He is one the best in the world. In training sessions, he would do crazy things and he is a very good person.

“I see him often and we like to reminisce about our time together at Real Madrid.

“My best memory with him was actually his last game at Real Madrid against Villarreal. We drew 3-3 and I scored two goals.

“I was so glad to have played well and score to give him good memories of his last game.”