The worst-kept secret in football right now is that Zinedine Zidane will become France manager after Didier Deschamps walks away at the end of the World Cup. Now we learn that the iconic Les Bleus midfielder wants to add a former Manchester United player to his coaching staff.
While France competes at the 2026 World Cup as one of the clear favourites to win the tournament outright this summer, Zinedine Zidane is making plans to ensure the transition from Didier Deschamps goes smoothly.
One Manchester United player hoping for a call from the next France manager is Leny Yoro, who has yet to appear on the senior international stage. Michael Carrick will be hoping the young centre-back kicks on next season after getting the entire summer off to recharge his batteries.
Yoro might not be the only member of the next French setup with connections to United. Zidane is trying to add a player to his coaching staff who made 139 appearances for the Reds.
Which one of these World Cup legends would have been the best signing for Man Utd?
Zinedine Zidane eyes Fabien Barthez as France goalkeeper coach
France will play their final group game at the World Cup on Friday night against Norway. After winning the first two matches, Deschamps’ side has secured qualification for the Round of 32 – but the winner of the next game will finish on top of Group I.
That won’t stop the France national team from planning for the future because it has already been announced that Deschamps will be stepping aside at the end of the World Cup.
According to L’Equipe, former United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is under consideration to become France’s goalkeeper coach, granted Zidane gets the job.
Barthez could replace Franck Raviot, who has held the position since 2010.
It is understood that Zidane has been in contact with Barthez about the job.
L’Equipe adds that Barthez would be enthusiastic about joining the coaching staff.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Zinedine Zidane wants Fabien Barthez as his goalkeeper coach if he gets the France job after the 2026 World Cup
- The former Real Madrid manager is heavily expected to replace Didier Deschamps as France head coach
- Zidane played with Barthez for the France national team
How much should Man Utd pay to sign Aurelien Tchouameni? What would you consider a fair fee?
Do you think he would be the right fit for Man Utd?
Fabien Barthez held coaching roles previously
Barthez experienced coaching in the past – at Luzenac AP where he served as assistant manager to Christophe Pélissier for 76 games.
The retired goalkeeper also had a brief spell helping goalkeepers at his boyhood club, Toulouse FC.
It will be Barthez’s biggest job yet – in football since retiring – if he joins forces with Zidane to work with the France national team.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
