A major update on Roberto De Zerbi’s future has emerged hours after Marseille exited the Champions League.
The Ligue 1 side finished second in the league table behind champions Paris Saint-Germain last season to book their place in Europe’s elite club competition but failed to make the play-off stage after a heavy 3-0 defeat away to Club Brugge on Wednesday.
De Zerbi’s side defeated Ajax, Newcastle and Union SG during the group stage but back-to-back defeats to Liverpool and Brugge saw them finish outside of the top 24 following the late heroics during Benfica’s shock victory against Marseille currently sit third in Ligue 1, seven points behind leaders PSG and speculation has ramped up in recent weeks over De Zerbi’s long-term future at the club with talk he could return to England.
Now, after Marseille failed to progress in Europe, his position as manager is in ‘real danger’ according to RMC Sport.
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The report claims there are questions over whether he will be on the bench for Saturday’s clash against Paris FC with discussions underway between the Italian and the club’s management.
His future is ‘hanging by a thread’ amid speculation he could be in the running to be the next permanent Manchester United manager.
Journalist Ben Jacobs told The United Stand that reports linking De Zerbi to Old Trafford are true.
He said: “I'm told that reports linking Roberto De Zerbi are accurate as well.
"Manchester United are going to be very serious about him."
De Zerbi has 18 months remaining on his current deal in France and has previously revealed he rejected an offer from United to take on his current role.
The ex-Brighton boss played down speculation prior to the defeat to Liverpool and insisted his focus was solely on Marseille.
“My focus is totally on Marseille. I wanted to come here,' De Zerbi said.
“The day before a very important, very crucial game, I have no space in my head to think about other things.
“I feel very well in this city with these players, with this club.
“As for the future, we have got to speak in the next month, in the next year, I don't know.”
Topics: Roberto De Zerbi, Marseille, Manchester United, Ligue 1, Football
Marcus Banks