Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has insight into Zinedine Zidane's reluctance to consider the Manchester United job, especially amidst the scrutiny faced by current United boss Erik ten Hag. The club finds itself in a tricky position, sitting 14th in the Premier League and struggling in their Europa League group with just two draws. Ten Hag's position, initially bolstered by a one-year contract extension over the summer, has come under fire following a heavy defeat to Tottenham earlier in the season.
Emery sympathises with Zidane's situation, as the former Real Madrid manager has previously cited his lack of fluency in English as a barrier to taking on such a role. "If I go to a club, it's to win. I say this in all modesty. That's why I can't go anywhere. For other reasons, too, I might not be able to go everywhere," Zidane told L’Equipe in 2022. He has expressed that while he understands basic English, complete fluency is vital for the managerial role, especially in communicating effectively with a team.
Emery understands the challenges presented by language barriers, having faced ridicule for his own English when managing Arsenal. "I had a decent level, although I needed to improve. When results are bad it’s not the same," he remarked to The Guardian in 2020, reflecting on his struggles to convey tactics and strategies, which become even more difficult when under pressure.
Despite Zidane’s illustrious managerial record—three consecutive Champions League titles with Real Madrid and a La Liga victory in 2020—Emery acknowledges the magnetic pull of the Premier League. Before his appointment at Villa, he articulated the unique connection between teams and their supporters in England, referring to it as deeper than in other countries, particularly in his native Spain.
As the 2024/2025 season continues, both Emery and Villa fans will be keeping an eye on the developments at Manchester United, where Zidane remains a high-profile candidate linked with the managerial role amid Ten Hag's ongoing struggles.