Zinedine Zidane visits training session with Erik ten Hag's Man Utd future in doubt

Zinedine Zidane has been spotted at a Real Betis training session , fuelling speculation about Erik ten Hag's uncertain future at Manchester United.

Zidane, who has only ever managed Real Madrid , led the Spanish giants to two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies during his two stints at the club. The French legend left the team for the second time in 2021 and was succeeded by Carlo Ancelotti. He has since remained out of management despite persistent rumors linking him with the United job and replacing Didier Deschamps as the French national team coach.

Not one to court publicity, Zidane was unexpectedly seen at a Real Betis training session recently - an image that quickly spread across social media. The 52-year-old was spotted watching the session on Wednesday, which marked the first time his son, Elyaz, trained with the first team at the Ciudad Deportiva Luis del Sol.

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Elyaz, an 18-year-old defender, left Real Madrid after 11 years to join Betis, now managed by ex-Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, earlier this year and was under the watchful eye of his legendary father in sunny Seville.

While Zidane remains on the football sidelines for now, United fans will undoubtedly wonder if he might be a suitable replacement should Erik ten Hag's tenure come to an end. The Dutchman has had a tricky start at Old Trafford this season, compounded by a heavy 3-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool among other early setbacks.

Cristiano Ronaldo, a United legend who parted ways with the club following issues with Ten Hag in late 2022, now with Al-Nassr, recently hinted at past troubles. Ahead of Portugal's Nations League campaign, Ronaldo aimed a potential dig at the Dutchman.

"Until the end of my career, I will always have the mindset that I will be a starter. I will always respect the decisions, not only of the coach, but at the clubs I played for I have always respected them... once or twice, they also behaved badly towards me," Ronaldo said laughing.

"But seriously, whenever there is professional ethics, I will always respect the coaches' decisions. When it goes against professional ethics, there can always be controversy, but that's separate."

United supporters are on tenterhooks as they wait for the squad's response after the international lull, hopeful of a rebound in the team's next outing against Southampton come next Saturday.