NO FATE: According to Marcel Desailly, Zidane’s former teammate who won the 1998 World Cup, the former Real Madrid coach almost joined Manchester United in 2021. During the crisis under Erik ten Hag, he made an official invitation with the highest salary in the world. However, Zidane refused because…

When Zinedine Zidane walked away from Real Madrid in 2021, the football world expected him to make a quick return to the dugout. As one of the most successful managers in recent history—having led Los Blancos to three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles—Zidane was a prime candidate for many top-tier clubs in turmoil. And none were more desperate at the time than Manchester United.

According to 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly, who shared the pitch with Zidane during France’s golden era, the legendary midfielder was this close to accepting the helm at Old Trafford. The Red Devils, enduring a chaotic spell under Erik ten Hag, reportedly approached Zidane with what Desailly described as “the highest salary offer in the world” to rescue the club from freefall.

It would have been a seismic appointment. Zidane’s brand of calm leadership, paired with his tactical acumen and aura, made him an ideal candidate to restore discipline and glory at United. But the deal never happened—and Desailly says it was never really about the money.

“Zidane is not a man who chases wealth,” Desailly told reporters. “He looks for meaning, alignment, and vision. He must feel emotionally and spiritually invested in a project before committing. Money has never dictated his choices.”

Indeed, despite the staggering salary United reportedly tabled, Zidane declined. One major reason was language. The French legend has previously expressed discomfort with English, a crucial barrier when leading a dressing room full of diverse personalities at a club as massive as Manchester United.

But it wasn’t just about communication. Zidane, according to those close to him, didn’t see his personal philosophy reflected in Manchester United’s footballing project. There was no harmony between the club’s long-term vision and what Zidane envisioned for his next challenge.

Interestingly, Manchester United wasn’t the only suitor turned away. Zidane also reportedly rejected a colossal offer from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia—worth around €100 million per year. The proposal would have made him the highest-paid manager in history. But again, Zidane’s refusal sent a clear message: legacy over luxury.

“Zidane won’t alter his lifestyle just to accommodate riches,” Desailly reaffirmed. “He’s not someone who will compromise who he is for a paycheck. He chooses carefully, with heart and purpose.”

Where does that leave Zidane now? Many believe the most logical and emotional destination for him is the French national team. He has followed Les Bleus closely in recent years, always in the wings, waiting for the perfect moment. And with current manager Didier Deschamps nearing what appears to be the end of a long reign, the stars may finally align.

France is experiencing a renaissance, bursting at the seams with generational talent. Kylian Mbappé continues to be the talisman, while players like Rayan Cherki, William Saliba, and Ousmane Dembélé are rising forces ready to lead France into a new golden era.

Zidane, a national hero and universally respected figure, is viewed as the perfect candidate to nurture this squad into the future. His gravitas, composure, and experience on the world stage could be just what France needs to lift more trophies.

It’s worth noting that Zidane’s ambitions aren’t limited to coaching. He has also been investing heavily in grassroots sports infrastructure in France. Earlier this year, he poured £4 million into building a padel centre—a fusion sport between squash and tennis—marking his commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting healthy lifestyles.

Desailly believes this is all part of Zidane’s deeper philosophy. “For him, sport is not only about winning trophies,” he said. “It’s about enriching lives, building culture, and leaving behind a legacy that transcends football.”

That philosophy might explain why Zidane continues to remain selective and patient. The modern game is saturated with quick fixes and high-stakes gambles, but Zidane seems unmoved by the chaos. He moves on his own terms, guided by a compass rooted in values, not vanity.

Manchester United, by contrast, remains on its never-ending quest to rediscover its former dominance. Whether under Ten Hag or whoever follows, the shadow of a missed opportunity with Zidane will likely linger in the minds of fans and executives alike.

Could things have turned around had Zidane taken the job? That’s a question without an answer—one that echoes in the halls of Old Trafford as they continue their rebuild.

Meanwhile, Zidane waits. Not for the biggest offer. Not for the flashiest project. But for a purpose that speaks to his soul. And perhaps, one day soon, the call from the French Football Federation will come—not as an offer he cannot refuse, but as the destiny he’s quietly prepared for all along.

In the end, there was no fate with Manchester United. But for Zidane, it was never about fate—it was about faith.