Roberto De Zerbi Showed Marseille Squad Man Utd Contract As Links Grow
Roberto De Zerbi showed the entire Marseille squad his contract offer from Manchester United, who are still said to be keen on the Italian.
United are on the lookout for a 12th manager in 13 years after sacking Ruben Amorim after 14 months in the job. Amorim was given his marching orders following a reported fall-out with the club's top brass and Darren Fletcher was brought in as interim boss for two games.
Following an FA Cup third round defeat to Brighton on Sunday, the club progressed with their search for a caretaker boss and appointed former midfielder and coach Michael Carrick until the end of the season.
Set to take charge in the derby against Manchester City on Saturday, Carrick is to be assisted by former England No.2 Steve Holland, as well as Jonny Evans, Jonathan Woodgate and Travis Binnion.
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United will look to bring in a new permanent manager in the summer, with a whole host of potential candidates mentioned. De Zerbi's name has been discussed, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the former Brighton boss is "one of the names under consideration and appreciated by people at United".
The Daily Mail, meanwhile, say that De Zerbi has "many admirers" at United and they want someone with Premier League experience.
When INEOS interviewed potential managers in May 2024 before deciding to stick with Erik ten Hag, De Zerbi was one of the names they spoke to.
By the time they relieved Ten Hag of his duties, De Zerbi had moved to Marseille, where is contracted until 2027.
According to L'Equipe, De Zerbi received a contract proposal from United and in a motivational message to his Marseille players, showed the evidence to the group.
The team talk is said to have taken place prior to the first game of the season against Stade Brest in August 2024, with the contract shown on the projector.
He is reported to have told the players: "This is where I could have been, but I put my passion before money. I came to Marseille for the passion.”
De Zerbi impressed in his spell at Brighton and led them to a top seven finish which brought a historic European campaign.
He boasted a 42.70 win percentage with the Seagulls before moving to Marseille, finishing second to an all-conquering Paris Saint-Germain side in his first season.
He is understood to be interested in a return to the Premier League but United are also considering their options, with Andoni Iraola, Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva, Thomas Tuchel and Mauricio Pochettino among the other names in the mix.
Topics: Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille, Brighton And Hove Albion, Man Utd
Josh Lawless