Zidane has been linked with the manager’s job before and is again in the running amid uncertainty over Erik ten Hag’s position at the club. The Manchester Evening News has reported that Ineos Group has studied possible replacements, one of which is Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi.
However, Zidane’s appointment would be particularly welcomed by one member of the first-team squad aside from ex-Real Madrid Raphael Varane: Martial.
The French forward impressed Zidane during his time in charge of Los Blancos, and there was interest in him midway through his final season in Spain. David de Gea and Paul Pogba were also discussed during informal conversations.
Martial last featured for United in the 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth at the start of December and has been missing since after undergoing groin surgery. The 28-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the current campaign, though Ten Hag last month confirmed talks were being held over extending his stay in Manchester. “We are talking with Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial,” he said. “That is an internal discussion between the club and the player.”
The former AS Monaco star attracted interest from the limes of Marseille, Fenerbahce and Saudi Arabian clubs during the January transfer window, though chose to stay at Old Trafford to fight for his place in the team.