Deschamps turns down Manchester United to keep Real Madrid hopes alive

World Cup-winning coach Didier Deschamps has turned down an approach from Manchester United, saying he prefers to keep the door open for a possible future appointment at Real Madrid, the club that dismissed Alvaro Arbeloa at the end of last season and has a vacant managerial seat at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid search for a new manager

Real Madrid decided to part ways with Alvaro Arbeloa at the end of last season, creating a vacant managerial seat at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Merengues eventually opted to bring back Portuguese tactician Jose Mourinho, who is already building a formidable team in the Spanish capital club. Before Mourinho’s appointment was confirmed, Frenchman Didier Deschamps had been heavily linked with the role.

The former France manager was set to end his stint after the 2018 FIFA World Cup, prompting speculation that he could be a candidate at Valdebebas. Deschamps, the 2018 World Cup-winning coach, stepped away from the France job in the summer, with Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane taking over the national side.

Reports indicated Deschamps was offered the chance to replace Michael Carrick at Manchester United, where the former midfielder’s position is described as hanging by a thread. French journalist Santi Aouna reported that Deschamps turned down the Premier League giants. He is said to have rejected the offer to keep the possibility of a future Real Madrid appointment open.

Mourinho blocks January exits for three Real Madrid bench players

Mourinho is enjoying a strong start to his second spell at Real Madrid. The Merengues brought him back in the summer on a three‑year contract and have handed him full control over transfers and club operations.

The Special One has been backed to the hilt in the transfer market. There is a strong sense of unity in the dressing room, with atmosphere and results improving markedly on the previous season.

While Deschamps may still harbour hopes of managing Real Madrid, any move in the near term appears highly unlikely. Deschamps had been linked with Real Madrid even before Mourinho’s appointment was confirmed.

Consequently, there is very little prospect of any managerial reshuffle at Real Madrid. The Merengues are fully behind Mourinho for the foreseeable future.