Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly expressed a keen interest in taking on the mantle at Manchester United. The current Marseille manager is ostensibly ready to bid adieu to Ligue 1 at the season’s end, should the beckoning of the prestigious Old Trafford come his way.
At 46, De Zerbi is no stranger to the English game, having previously orchestrated a remarkable campaign with Brighton & Hove Albion that saw them soar to their highest Premier League finish and into European contention. His attacking philosophy won many plaudits during his time on the south coast, and it’s this same approach that insiders suggest he’d relish bringing to Manchester United.
Following the recent departure of Ruben Amorim, United have opted to delay a permanent managerial appointment until summer, employing an interim solution in the meantime. This aligns serendipitously with De Zerbi’s current obligations at Marseille, where he is under contract until 2027 but remains open to exploring new horizons.
However, the allure of Old Trafford is not without competition. Tottenham Hotspur, too, have reportedly shortlisted De Zerbi as a potential successor should Thomas Frank not meet expectations by the season’s end.
Significantly, De Zerbi is a figure of considerable admiration within the corridors of power at United, particularly under the stewardship of INEOS. The Italian was once a contender back in 2024 when the club deliberated alternatives to Erik ten Hag, signifying a long-standing appreciation for his managerial prowess.
De Zerbi is considered a frontrunner alongside Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner. While Glasner’s tactical versatility garners its own appeal, De Zerbi’s established résumé in the Premier League cements his status as a formidable candidate.
For United’s faithful, who have endured turbulence in recent times, De Zerbi’s potential arrival symbolises a beacon of fresh beginnings and a committed return to a commanding, possession-oriented game. As interim solutions temporarily hold the fort, the summer will undoubtedly intensify the search for a permanent figurehead—a search that could see De Zerbi poised to answer.
In tandem with these developments, the subplot continues with recent revelations surrounding Amorim’s contentious spell—with his handling of players causing unrest behind the scenes, and notably influencing Joshua Zirkzee’s inclination towards a move to Rome.
In conclusion, as the managerial dominoes prepare to fall, the scenario at Manchester United paints a picture of potential transformation, with Roberto De Zerbi at the centre of this intriguing narrative.