Gareth Bale has given his verdict on former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane, who has been linked with the Manchester United manager’s job

Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has given an insight into Zinedine Zidane’s coaching methods amid continued links with Manchester United. The Reds are being linked with several potential candidates for the job at Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick currently in interim charge until the end of the season.

Carrick was appointed in January on an interim basis, but could be in contention for the job on a permanent basis if he continues his impressive run of form for United.

Before United’s defeat to Newcastle earlier this week, United had racked up six wins in seven matches, picking up 19 points from a possible 21 on offer in the Premier League, which has helped the club climb up to third place in the table.

Despite the run of form, several candidates continue to be linked with the United manager’s job on a permanent basis from the summer, with Zidane mentioned frequently over the last few years.

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Zidane has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, and has been frequently linked with a return to management ever since, with United and the France national team mentioned as potential destinations.

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Bale played under Zidane during his time at Los Blancos, winning five Champions League titles, three of which were under the Real legend’s management.

Speaking about Zidane’s time as manager at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bale provided an insight into what it was like to work with the 53-year-old, particularly in training.

“Zidane as a coach? Honestly, he didn’t do much,” Bale said on the Stick to Football podcast. “We’d go over some tactics before matches against Barcelona or Bayern—15 minutes of defensive work. Other than that, it was just possession games, shooting drills, and then we’d go home.

“But he earned respect thanks to his qualities as a player. He participated in training, even beat me a few times – he’s still in great shape.”

United will return to Premier League action next weekend as they face Aston Villa at Old Trafford, having had a break this week due to not being involved in the FA Cup.

The Reds will then face an away trip to Bournemouth on March 22, which will be their final match before the international and will not be back in action until April 13.

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