Zinedine Zidane’s stance on Man United job makes sense in light of Unai Emery claim

Aston Villa boss Unai Emery understands Zinedine Zidane's hesitation to take on the Manchester United job because of his limited English skills.

United find themselves in 14th place in the Premier League, having also secured two draws in the Europa League, putting manager Erik ten Hag under considerable pressure. Despite the disappointing start to the season, Ten Hag, who was handed a one-year contract extension this summer, has managed to retain his role for now. Yet, that has not stopped out-of-work bosses, like Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate, being suggested as potential replacements at Old Trafford.

Former Real Madrid manager Zidane has been linked with the United job on several occasions since leaving Los Blancos in 2021. However, the three-time Champions League-winning coach has already ruled out taking the reins at United due to the levels of English fluency required.

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"If I go to a club, it's to win. I say this in all modesty. That's why I can't go anywhere. For other reasons, too, I might not be able to go everywhere," Zidane told L'Equipe in 2022. "Which ones? The language, for example. Certain conditions make things more difficult."

Addressing the United job directly before Ten Hag was appointed, Zidane added: "Would I want to go to Manchester (United)? I understand English, but I'm not completely fluent in it. I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way."

Villa boss Emery can relate to Zidane's situation, having experienced challenges with the language barrier during