Manchester United Target Roberto De Zerbi Faces Immediate Sack Threat
Roberto De Zerbi, the former Brighton manager currently in charge at Marseille, is reportedly in grave danger of being sacked by the French club. This development comes just weeks after the Italian coach was heavily linked with the vacant permanent head coach position at Manchester United.
Champions League Failure Sparks Crisis
The 46-year-old tactician's position has become increasingly precarious following Marseille's disappointing early exit from the Champions League. The club suffered a particularly chastening 3-0 defeat against Club Brugge on Wednesday night, a result that definitively ended their hopes of progressing to the competition's play-off round.
According to reports from French outlet RMC Sport, discussions are already underway regarding De Zerbi's potential departure. The anger within the Marseille hierarchy is said to be substantial, with the club's sporting director, Medhi Benatia, delivering a scathing assessment after the match.
Benatia stated: "I hope that the players are aware that tonight is a professional foul. I've lost games in my career, I've rarely felt that sense of shame, being able to concede six goals in two games. I want it to have consequences on the rest of the season."
Manchester United's Managerial Search Intensifies
This potential managerial shake-up at Marseille could create a significant opportunity for Manchester United's decision-makers. The Premier League giants are expected to appoint a new long-term head coach during the summer, following the sacking of Ruben Amorim earlier this season.
Currently, Michael Carrick is serving as interim manager at Old Trafford until the season concludes. Carrick has made an impressive start, securing notable victories against both Manchester City and Arsenal during his initial fortnight in charge.
However, numerous reports suggest United's hierarchy remains interested in appointing a different permanent successor to Amorim, with De Zerbi's name featuring prominently on their shortlist. The Italian coach built a formidable reputation during his tenure at Brighton, earning widespread admiration for his attractive, progressive style of football before his move to France in the summer of 2024.
Availability Could Prove Decisive Factor
Should Marseille decide to terminate De Zerbi's contract, his immediate availability could become a crucial factor in Manchester United's decision-making process. The club's powerbrokers are known to admire De Zerbi's impressive body of work developed during his successful spell in the Premier League with Brighton.
While it remains uncertain whether Marseille will ultimately dismiss their manager, the current situation places De Zerbi's future in serious doubt. This development adds an intriguing new dimension to the ongoing managerial speculation surrounding one of England's most prestigious football clubs.
The coming weeks will prove decisive, determining whether De Zerbi remains at Marseille or becomes a free agent, potentially opening the door for a dramatic return to the Premier League with Manchester United.
