Zinedine Zidane has removed key obstacle that stopped him taking Man Utd job before Erik ten Hag

Zinedine Zidane has been removing a key stumbling block in replacing Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager, one of his former team-mates has claimed.

The Frenchman has been linked with a move to Old Trafford if United part company with Ten Hag, who is enduring a challenging second season at the club.

United finished bottom of their Champions League group, and a defeat to Liverpool on Sunday would no doubt pile more pressure on the Dutchman.

The Sun reported on Wednesday that prospective minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe met with former Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who is one of the favourites to take over from Ten Hag if the British billionaire decides to relieve him of his duties.

But links to Zidane are yet to vanish, and his appointment at Old Trafford would represent a return to football management after almost three years out.

Speaking to L'Equipe in 2022, Zidane stated there were a number of barriers blocking him from becoming a manager in English football.

He said: "I might not be able to go everywhere. The language, for example. Certain conditions make things more difficult.

"When people say to me, 'Do you want to go to Manchester?' I understand English but I don't fully master it. I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work differently."

However, former France team-mate Emmanuel Petit has claimed that Zidane has in fact been learning English this year.

He told DAZN Bet: "For the last few months, Zizou has been taking English lessons. I don't know if he wants to come and manage in England, but this is an open door.

"For me, him starting to learn English means he has changed his mind about managing a team in England.

"He hasn't managed anyone for a few years now and you need to remain sharp as a manager because football moves and changes so quickly.

"Admittedly, there are not many top jobs available in England for him either right now. However, the fact he is learning English means that English jobs are now something he will consider."

Will we see Zidane in English football any time soon? Watch this space.