Sports
Zinedine Zidane ‘Has Verbal Agreement’ for France Job
Speculation around Manchester United’s next permanent manager has intensified following the confirmation of Ruben Amorim’s departure, with familiar high-profile names quickly resurfacing in the English media.
One of those names is Zinedine Zidane, who has long been linked with the Old Trafford job during previous managerial vacancies. However, fresh clarification has now emerged to cool that speculation.
Fabrizio Romano plays down Zidane to Man United links
Speaking on the situation, Fabrizio Romano made clear that Zinedine Zidane should not currently be viewed as a realistic candidate for the Manchester United job.
Romano said: “I already saw some rumours in the English media, someone saying that probably Zinedine Zidane could be a candidate. Zidane is always linked with Manchester United’s job.”
However, he was quick to add important context, continuing: “Remember what I keep telling you about Zidane. Zidane has a verbal agreement to become the new French national team head coach after the World Cup to replace Didier Deschamps.”
Romano stressed that, as things stand, there has been no movement towards a Premier League return, saying: “So in this moment, I’m not aware of any concrete contact with Zidane.”
United vacancy sparks familiar speculation
Amorim’s departure has once again placed United at the centre of the managerial market, with the club expected to be linked to a wide range of candidates in the coming weeks. Zidane’s name has been a recurring feature in past searches, largely due to his availability and elite pedigree.
However, Romano stressed that the current situation should be viewed differently. Zidane’s future appears to be aligned with international management rather than an immediate return to club football, particularly in the Premier League.
That distinction is important as United’s hierarchy begin assessing options that fit both the club’s structure and their short-term objectives following another change in the dugout.
Darren Fletcher takes interim charge
For now, United’s focus is on stabilising the situation on the pitch. Darren Fletcher has been placed in interim charge while the club work behind the scenes on their next steps.
Fletcher’s role is expected to be temporary, but his appointment provides continuity during a period of transition as United weigh up long-term options.
Romano added that more names and rumours are inevitable in the aftermath of Amorim’s exit, but his update suggests Zidane is not one of the figures actively under consideration at this moment.
As United move forward, attention is likely to shift towards candidates more realistically positioned to take on the challenge at Old Trafford – leaving Zidane’s name, once again, as more familiar speculation than genuine pursuit.
Man Utd Chiefs Fuming With Ruben Amorim’s Treatment of Three Players Before Sack
Manchester United were unhappy with Ruben Amorim’s public criticism of players and his reaction to internal feedback.
FIFA landed themselves in hot water for its disorganisation amid uncertainty over when England‘s Round of 16 clash with Mexico at the World Cup will take place.
The round-of-16 match at the Estadio Azteca had initially been scheduled for 6 pm local time (1 am BST). Rumours surfaced online that FIFA were looking to move the game to 7 pm BST due to a risk of weather disruption.
The game has now been confirmed to go ahead as planned with a 6 am kick-off. That’s despite floods and thunderstorms being forecast, which led to discussions over moving the game forward by six hours.
Huge claim over FIFA changing England vs Mexico kick-off
It’s now being reported that weather concerns weren’t the only reason FIFA were preparing to make a change. There is talk in Mexico of a change to the kick-off time due to discussions between British broadcaster BBC and FIFA.
Mexican sports executive Pepe Hanan claims that the schedule change was due to a “negotiation between the BBC and FIFA.” He suggested that television coverage played a role in the potential new kick-off time.
Hanan said that neither the English nor Mexican FA “had anything to do with it” and that they weren’t asked for their opinions. The kick-off time prompted outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer to allow pubs to stay open until 5 am on Monday morning.
The BBC took their time reporting on the potential change during coverage of Egypt’s win over Australia on Friday evening. They have since refuted claims in Mexico about their alleged involvement and said the corporation “was not involved in these discussions.”
For Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions, the situation is a massive distraction as they prepare for a daunting trip to the Azteca. While a U-turn hasn’t occurred, it has evidently left the FA looking for answers ahead of a crucial World Cup game.
Marcus Rashford on kick-off uncertainty
Marcus Rashford insisted England weren’t thrown off by the possibility of a kick-off time change and that they remained focused on the game. The Three Lions forward, who started in his nation’s 2-1 comeback win over DR Congo in the previous round, explained how it doesn’t affect Tuchel’s camp:
“It doesn’t matter. It’s a game of football at the end of the day. It doesn’t change our outlook on the game and what we’re trying to do.”
The same can’t be said for England fans who are attending the game, as their travel plans may have been thrown into disarray. FIFA didn’t officially confirm a new kick-off time but reports indicate that there had been a real possibility of them doing so.
There have also been concerns about safety ahead of the match after four fans lost their lives following Mexico’s win over Ecuador in the Round of 32. Mass celebrations involving one million fans in Mexico City led to fatalities, and President Claudia Sheinbaum warned supporters about drinking and to avoid packed gathering spots.
Arsenal and Liverpool will both likely be competing for similar players in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners and Liverpool are both competing in the Champions League next season, so they have the offer of European football to attract players.
Arsenal might feel they have an advantage over Liverpool in the race to sign some stars due to the fact that they reached the Champions League final and won the Premier League last term.
Both sides are still incredibly attractive as long as they remain in Europe, with the attraction of playing in the Premier League also a huge factor for players.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal are in the market for midfield additions this summer, and the Gunners could now be ahead in the race to sign one star.
Arsenal Storm Ahead of Liverpool
According to a report from TeamTalk, Arsenal are prepared to loan midfielder Ayoubb Bouaddi back to the French club in the summer transfer window if they secure his signature.
The Gunners are keen on signing Bouaddi alongside the likes of Liverpool, but they both face plenty of competition.
Arsenal are ahead of Liverpool in the race as Lille might not be happy with the latter’s stance. Liverpool are unconvinced by the idea of loaning Bouaddi back to Ligue 1.
Bouaddi also has interest from around Europe, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain.
If a club like Arsenal is willing to sign Bouaddi and send him back on loan for the season, while Liverpool isn’t, it’s obvious that the French club would prefer him to move to the Gunners.
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Liverpool Could Regret Decision
Liverpool could regret the decision not to allow Bouaddi to return to Lille on loan as part of a deal in the summer transfer window.
If that is the only way of securing his signature ahead of other clubs, then the Merseyside outfit should be considering doing so.
Arsenal and other clubs appear happy to remain patient in the race for Bouaddi, who has been described as ‘elite’, which could result in Liverpool missing out on the player.
Either way, it looks set to be a competitive race for Bouaddi’s signature in the summer transfer window, with a host of clubs pushing to sign him.
Manchester United’s dream target for the summer transfer window could be available for £77m, with his club seriously considering selling him.
The Red Devils have already missed out on some key targets in the last few weeks, and they won’t want to see that happen again.
Mateus Fernandes made the move to Tottenham despite United showing a strong interest in the Portuguese midfielder, while Elliot Anderson moved to their rivals Manchester City.
United clearly didn’t want to pay the kind of fees that Tottenham and Manchester City were willing to pay, which is a fine strategy as long as you bring in alternatives.
Signing a new midfielder will remain United’s priority, and their dream target could now be available.
Man Utd’s ‘Dream’ Target Available
According to journalist Rodra, Real Madrid are now seriously considering selling Aurelien Tchouameni in the summer transfer window.
It’s claimed that the Spanish giants will consider selling him for a fee in the region of £77 million, which could be good news for Manchester United.
Reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that Tchouameni is United’s ‘dream’ target for the summer transfer window.
It will be interesting to see if this news prompts United to make a move to secure his signature, as they desperately need midfield reinforcements.
Missing out on both Anderson and Fernandes, United need to get a move on when it comes to midfield additions, and Tchouameni could be the ideal signing.
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Man Utd Need to Make a Statement
Manchester United now need to make a statement when it comes to bringing in a new midfielder during the summer transfer window.
Every United fan knows that Anderson and Fernandes were two priority targets for the Red Devils. They now need to ensure they make a statement move in order to get a top midfielder through the door.
Anderson and Fernandes would have both improved United significantly, and they could risk falling behind their rivals if they don’t make a strong midfield signing.
There is plenty of time remaining in the window, but United fans may be getting frustrated with the difficulties they are having at the moment.
FIFA Considered England vs Mexico Kick-Off Time Move Over TV Coverage
Arsenal Lead Liverpool in Race to Sign Midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi
Man Utd’s Dream Target Aurelien Tchouameni Could Be Sold for £77m
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