Former Real Madrid boss Zidane has made his position as Manchester United manager clear. The Frenchman said he would return after the season.
Wednesday's report said the Reds had accepted the need to find a new coach. The club are looking for a potential replacement for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but there is a lack of options at the moment.
However, with favourites reluctant to take over in the middle of the season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to continue his job until the end of the season, a possibility that depends on whether the situation at United will continue to deteriorate. This will allow United to develop a succession plan and identify multiple options in the coming months.
Although Zidane is now idle at home, the Frenchman is still insisting on coaching next summer. According to BILD's Christian Falk, Manchester United and Zidane have been in contact with the prospect of becoming their new manager.
But the 49-year-old explained he felt now was not the right time to take on such a task in the Premier League. Zidane told The Manchester United board he wanted to rest until the summer, which suggested he could take up next season.
He is clearly willing to arrive in Manchester at the end of the season, which could prompt the club to stick with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the time being. It's important to consider that zidane may not be the only or best option next May.
The Manchester Evening News also said United admired Eric Tenghager, who was the first choice of many fans to support the replacement of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. With Ajax on track to achieve another successful set, he can be ready for a new challenge.
The likes of Brendan Rodgers and Luis Enrique are also rare managers in European football, with the former seemingly united's first choice. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is currently on the margins, and while the club is willing to keep him until the end of the season, it is only if United cannot get worse.
United face a terrifying three-game back-to-back trip ahead of home games against Arsenal, with Watford, Villarreal and Chelsea all very tricky and likely to put an end to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's hopes of coaching.
However, if United can make it through these schedules smoothly, the easy fixtures of the coming months will be a great opportunity to get back on track. If United can return to their goals for the season, the club's perception of replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could change.
But this is unlikely at the moment, and a series of viable management upgrades will be ready next summer.