Manchester United were strongly linked with a move to sign Zinedine Zidane as Jose Mourinho’s successor.

The Frenchman stepped down as Real Madrid boss at the end of last season after winning three Champions League titles in his two and a half years stay at Madrid.

During the last weeks of José’s stay at Old Trafford, reports suggested that that United were planning on signing the former France midfielder as their coach in other to repair the damage Jose Mourinho has caused at the Theatre of Dreams.

United were also linked with a move to sign Chelsea former manager Antonio Conte as well as Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri and Mauricio Pochettino of Tottenham.

But none of those coaches were appointed after Jose Mourinho sacking and United had to bring a club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to manage the club on temporary basis.

So far, the Norwegian has transformed Man United squad around – made them into a proper top three contenders and are still also in the Champions League and the FA Cup.

Just yesterday, Real Madrid announced that Zinedine Zidane has returned back to the club as a manager and the 46-year-old boss has explained why he refused a move to Manchester United.

‘When I left it was the right time to leave,’ he said.

‘I think the players needed a change. It wasn’t just because I wanted to leave, I actually thought after two and a half years winning almost everything we needed something else to maintain the momentum.

‘We won the Champions League that season but there were things that happened during the course of the campaign.

‘I gave it much thought, but I know this is the right decision. I had other offers, but I didn’t want to be in charge at any other club.’