The ‘two demands’ Zinedine Zidane will make if he is asked to take over from Ruben Amorim at Man Utd

The managerial situation at Manchester United continues to spark debate, and the name of Zinedine Zidane has once again been linked with the Old Trafford hot seat. The French icon, who has been out of work since parting ways with Real Madrid in 2021, is regarded as one of the few elite coaches available. But, according to reports, Zidane would only consider the job if two key demands are met.

United’s current coach Ruben Amorim is still in charge despite enduring a rough introduction to English football. His side has collected just 28 points from 29 Premier League matches since his arrival, with the latest setback being a frustrating 1-1 draw against Fulham. That result earned United their first point of the new season, but it left them languishing in 16th place — hardly the start fans had hoped for.

For a club with such rich history and lofty ambitions, these performances have only intensified the pressure. United invested heavily in the transfer window, bringing in players like Benjamin Sesko, Diego Leon, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo. Yet, the improvements on the pitch have been minimal. The hangover from last season’s 15th-place finish and a painful Europa League final defeat to Tottenham remains evident.

Although Amorim’s job is not under immediate threat, the situation is precarious. The board is well aware that results must improve or they may be forced to act. Names like Oliver Glasner, Gareth Southgate, and Unai Emery are being discussed as possible replacements, but Zidane remains the headline candidate, with bookmakers keeping him among the frontrunners.

If United were to approach Zidane, however, it wouldn’t be straightforward. The 53-year-old legend has been selective with his career choices and is understood to want clear assurances before stepping back into management. Former teammate Emmanuel Petit has previously revealed that Zidane has two non-negotiable conditions: squad quality guarantees and stability within the club’s hierarchy.

Petit explained that Zidane is highly conscious of the environment he works in. “At Manchester United, the environment hasn’t been good for years. The instability on the bench, the inconsistency of the players, and the unrealistic expectations — he knows these things well,” Petit said. Zidane would need assurances that he would be backed with a squad capable of competing at the highest level, and that he would be allowed the freedom and time to rebuild.

Another obstacle could be communication. Zidane’s English has often been highlighted as a weakness, with Petit admitting: “I’m not sure he speaks very good English, and communication in the dressing room is vital.” However, Zidane has shown before at Real Madrid that leadership and respect often transcend language barriers, managing some of the biggest stars in the world successfully.

The bigger issue lies in the current state of Manchester United’s squad. Zidane, known for his demanding standards, would want clarity on recruitment and whether he can attract world-class players. The Frenchman has never been one to settle for mediocrity, and given the struggles of United’s current team, he would expect guarantees that serious investment would be made to restore competitiveness.

Zidane’s track record speaks for itself. With three Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns during his spells with Real Madrid, he remains one of the most decorated managers in modern football. Yet, despite offers, he has resisted returning to the dugout. He has been heavily linked with the France national team job, expected to become available after Didier Deschamps steps down post-2026 World Cup. This complicates matters further for United, as Zidane may prefer to wait for the role he has long been tipped for.

For now, Amorim remains in charge, but the pressure is mounting. The Old Trafford faithful are growing restless, and questions are being asked about how much longer the board will remain patient. Should Zidane be approached, his two demands could either pave the way for a transformative new era or prove too challenging for United to meet in their current state.

Ultimately, Zidane’s potential arrival would represent far more than just a managerial appointment. It would be a statement that Manchester United is ready to return to the very top of European football. But for now, it remains a waiting game — one where Amorim’s results and Zidane’s conditions may soon collide.