Gareth Bale has given an insight into Zinedine Zidane's coaching methods at Real Madrid as the Frenchman continues to be linked with the Manchester United manager's job

Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has offered a glimpse into Zinedine Zidane's coaching approach amid ongoing speculation linking him with Manchester United. Several potential contenders have been linked with the position at Old Trafford, with Michael Carrick in interim control until the season's end.

Carrick was brought in during January on a temporary arrangement, but may be considered for the role permanently if he maintains his remarkable run of results for United. Prior to United's loss to Newcastle earlier this week, the team had secured six victories in seven fixtures, collecting 19 points from a potential 21 available in the Premier League, which has seen the club rise to third position in the standings.

Despite the positive sequence, various contenders remain connected with the United manager's position permanently from the summer, with Zidane referenced regularly throughout recent years.

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Zidane has been without employment since departing Real Madrid in 2021, and has been consistently associated with a comeback to management ever since, with United and the France national side mentioned as prospective destinations.

Bale featured under Zidane throughout his time with Los Blancos, securing five Champions League crowns, three of which came under Zidane's stewardship. Discussing Zidane's tenure as boss at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bale offered a glimpse into what it was like working under the 53-year-old, especially during training sessions.

"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 resume Premier League duties next weekend when they host Aston Villa at Old Trafford, having enjoyed a break this week owing to their absence from the FA Cup.

The Reds will then travel to Bournemouth on March 22, their final fixture before the international break, and won't feature again until April 13 when they host rivals Leeds United at Old Trafford.

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