Manchester United have a massive decision to make this summer when they decide on the next permanent manager. The higher-ups are thought to be impressed by Michael Carrick amid his second spell as head coach, which ends at the end of the season.
Carrick has come under scrutiny in the past week due to several dissapointing performances from his side. A 2-1 defeat to 10-man Newcastle United raised concerns and question marks over appointing him full-time.
Their managerial shortlist lost two huge names earlier this year when Thomas Tuchel extended his contract with England. Carlo Ancelotti also penned a new deal with Brazil’s national team.
Another name who has been in the frame is former Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian is now available after unceremoniously leaving French club Marseille in February.
De Zerbi eyes Man United job
De Zerbi mutually agreed to depart the Ligue 1 giants following a 5-0 thrashing by Paris Saint-Germain. There was talk of United eyeing him even before he exited the Stade Velodrome.
According to Sam Wallace of The Telegraph, De Zerbi is “keen” on the United job, and he features prominently on the club’s shortlist. He is arguably the most attractive managerial option who is currently without a club.
It’s also claimed that he is open to taking over at Tottenham Hotspur despite the North Londoners’ nightmare of a season. They sit one point above the drop zone, and caretaker manager Igor Tudor is already under pressure.
You’d assume De Zerbi is only willing to become Spurs boss if they remain in the top-flight. The Lilywhites have nine games to save themselves from EFL Championship football next season.
De Zerbi has Premier League experience, having been in charge of Brighton for just under two years. He led the Seagulls to a sixth-placed finish in the 2022-23 campaign.
The 46-year-old plays attractive football and is regarded as one of Europe’s most highly-rated tacticians. There have been claims that Pep Guardiola believes he is his ideal long-term successor at Manchester City.
De Zerbi doubts
De Zerbi certainly has a strong reputation in European football, but wouldn’t be a good fit for INEOS’ structure. Ruben Amorim fell out with the co-owners because he felt they interfered with his vision.
The Italian has clashed with the board at Brighton and Marseille, and that doesn’t bode well for a possible Old Trafford appointment. He certainly has the ability to galvanise players and isn’t afraid to speak his mind.
| Roberto De Zerbi (Marseille reign) | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Games managed: | 69 |
| Wins: | 39 |
| Draws: | 8 |
| Defeats: | 22 |
| Goals Scored: | 160 |
| Goals conceded: | 99 |
| Points per match: | 1.81 |
United need a head coach who is renowned for their ability to work alongside a sporting director. Someone like Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann is the ideal choice in this regard, given he spent years at RB Leipzig with the Reds’ Director of Recruitment, Christopher Vivell.
De Zerbi also has yet to test himself at one of Europe’s elite football clubs, and that’s a risk that could end in disaster. It has shades of Amorim, who was appointed because of the potential shown at Sporting CP in Liga Portugal.
United will wait until the end of the season to make a decision, and Carrick remains the frontrunner. The English coach has his team on course for a top four finish despite a dissapointing loss to Newcastle.
