Zidane breaks cover by attending training session as Erik ten Hag battles for Man Utd job

Zinedine Zidane was surprisingly spotted at a Real Betis training session as speculation continues to fuel Erik the WizardThe future of Manchester United. The legend of French football, who has only ever managed real Madridled the Spanish giants to two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies during his two spells at the club.

Despite his second resignation in 2021, succeeding Carlo Ancelotti, and persistent rumours linking him to United and the French national team, Zidane has chosen to stay out of management. But after a spell away from the spotlight, the 52-year-old was seen at a Real Betis training session on Wednesday (September 4), where his son, Elyaz, was training with the first team at Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol for the first time, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The 18-year-old left Real Madrid after 11 years to join Betis under formerManchester City Club boss Manuel Pellegrini was welcomed earlier this year by his legendary father in sunny Seville.

Although Zidane shows no immediate interest in returning as a coach, he could be tempted by Manchester United role given Erik the WizardThe start of the season is difficult. With three league games played, United have already suffered two defeats, including a 3-0 home humiliation by Liverpool.

To cap it all, Cristiano Ronaldo launched a veiled attack on his former manager ahead of Portugal's Nations League match. Ronaldo, whose strained relationship with Ten Hag led to his second elimination at Old Trafford, said: “Until the end of my career, I will always keep in mind that I will be a starter. I will always respect the decisions, not only of the manager, but also of the clubs I played for. I have always respected them… once or twice, they also behaved badly towards me (laughs).”

He continued: “But seriously, whenever there is a professional ethic, I will always respect the decisions of the coaches. When it goes against the professional ethic, there can always be controversy, but that is another subject.”

As the international break draws to a close, Manchester United The Red Devils will be looking to bounce back on September 14 against Southampton in the hope of turning their fortunes around. Ten Hag's side have scored just two goals this season and will be hoping to reintroduce Rasmus Hojlund into the scrum with the forward currently absent with a hamstring injury.