Carrick’s competition for permanent United job just got way easier as huge name poised to withdraw from race – report

It has been another turbulent season at Old Trafford, with head coach Ruben Amorim being replaced halfway through the campaign after a rocky start led to a falling out with his superiors, which eventually sealed his fate.

INEOS turned to former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick to take the reins for the remainder of the season, employing him on an interim basis.

United have enjoyed an upturn in form since Carrick’s arrival, but a decision on who will get the permanent role in the summer is still up for debate.

One name to scratch off the list

Should the performance levels remain high, Carrick will certainly be one of the favourites for the full-time position, but INEOS will no doubt be thinking long and hard about what is a huge decision for the club.

A host of high-profile names have been linked with the post, but one long-standing target looks like he will be off the market come the end of the summer.

As reported by The Mirror, Zinedine Zidane has “verbally agreed” to become the manager of the French national team at the conclusion of the World Cup.

Current boss Didier Deschamps will navigate Les Bleus through the tournament but will see his contract expire when France’s participation ends.

Reports in France say Zidane will step into Deschamps’ shoes, with the latter leaving the job after guiding his nation through back-to-back World Cups, winning the famous trophy in 2018.

Zidane recently spoke about his potential return to the dugout and referenced the national team role as the job of his dreams.

“It will happen very soon. I’d like to be the head coach of the France team one day. I will surely return to coaching,” he said.

End of a saga

The news will not just be a boost to Carrick’s ambitions but would put to bed the long-standing flirtation between United and the former Real Madrid man, at least for now.

Zidane has regularly been linked with taking charge at the Theatre of Dreams, both before and after his hugely successful stint in the Spanish capital as a coach.

However, despite the rumours, a deal never really felt that close, with Manchester never truly appealing to the legendary Frenchman enough for him to make the move.

INEOS will no doubt be aware of the developments but will seemingly be able to cross Zidane off their list as they continue to scour the globe for the most suitable candidate.

Meanwhile, Carrick’s side will hope to carry on their good form and further cement their place in the Premier League’s top four after a weekend of decent results so far.

With both Aston Villa and Chelsea dropping points, United’s maiden trip to the Hill-Dickenson Stadium on Monday night looks all the more important, with three valuable points up for grabs against Everton.

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