Zidane breaks silence on future after being linked with Man Utd and Bayern

Zinedine Zidane denied suggestions he could become the next Bayern Munich manager after being asked about a potential return to management at the weekend's Miami Grand Prix.

The American coastline played host to Formula One's sixth GP of the season, with former Real Madrid star player and iconic manager joining other celebrities on the grid.

The three-time Champions League winning manager used his time at the event to spend time meeting Formula One star's Verstappen and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, while also being introduced to upcoming F1 academy talents.

British driver Lando Norris entertained Zidane by going toe-to-toe with Red Bull's Max Verstappen on his way to claiming a first GP victory, but it was the former World Cup winners presence in Miami that caused a stir amongst football fans.

The 51-year-old has been out of management since departing Madrid following a second spell at the Santiago Bernabeu two-years ago and is very carefully deciding on his next steps.

Zidane has previously stated he will return to the dugout at some stage in the future and has been constantly linked with high-profile jobs at Manchester United, Bayern Munich, PSG and the French national team amongst others, but did offer a glimpse of his future plans while being interviewed at the Miami racetrack.

Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich travel to Madrid for the second-leg of the Champions League semi-final tie on Wednesday, with the aggregate score level at 2-2 following an enthralling first-leg battle in Germany.

However, Bayern's progression to the final-four also coincides with the club's ongoing search for a new manager after already agreeing to part ways with Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season. Zidane has been mentioned as a possible successor.

Giving his prediction for the Champions League tie, Zidane told Sky Sports: 'Hopefully Madrid. But it's going to be a difficult game.'

'No [I'm not joining Bayern]. I'm going to watch the game,' he continued while laughing and walking away.

His latest declaration won't bring joy amongst Bayern's ranks, but could provide optimism in Manchester after the Frenchman was also linked with becoming the next Man United manager.

British billionaire investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe is mulling over whether to give under-fire Erik ten Hag another season in charge following a dismal Premier League and European campaign, and Zidane's available status make him a readymade successor.

Meanwhile, Ten Hag is another candidate on Bayern Munich's managerial shortlist, but currently remains happy at United.