Deschamps reportedly turned down Manchester United to keep Real Madrid hopes alive

Didier Deschamps has reportedly turned down an approach from Manchester United, with the former France coach said to be keeping open the prospect of a future move to Real Madrid. The claim comes from French journalist Santi Aouna, as reported by AS.

Deschamps linked with the Madrid job

Real Madrid parted ways with Alvaro Arbeloa at the end of last season, and several managers were linked with the vacant post at the Santiago Bernabeu. The club eventually turned to Jose Mourinho, who has made a strong start to his second spell in charge.

Before Mourinho's appointment was confirmed, Deschamps was one of the names heavily linked with the job. He was set to end his stint with the France national team after the World Cup.

Offer from Manchester United

Deschamps, who coached France to the 2018 World Cup title, has been without a club since stepping away from the national team in the summer. He was reportedly offered the chance to take over at Manchester United, where Michael Carrick's position is said to be under severe pressure.

According to the report, Deschamps declined the Premier League club's approach so that a possible future opportunity at Real Madrid remains open.

A move seen as unlikely

The report also says any move in the near future remains highly unlikely. Mourinho returned to Real Madrid in the summer on a three-year contract, and the club has backed him heavily in the transfer market. He has also been given a major say in transfer dealings and other areas of the club's operations.

The report describes a strong sense of unity in the dressing room, with the atmosphere improving greatly compared with last season and results also going well. On that basis, it suggests changes in the club's managerial position are very unlikely, with everyone at Real Madrid fully behind Mourinho.