“He is superior to Erik ten Hag.” After Erik Ten Hag is fired, Man Utd “could take a chance” on hiring the 44-year-old boss.
If Erik ten Hag is fired, Manchester United might “take a chance” on Brighton & Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi. However, reporter Dean Jones has disclosed that Zinedine Zidane and Julen Lopetegui may also be considered for the Old Trafford position.
The Red Devils’ worst-ever European campaign came to an end earlier this month when they were knocked from the Champions League. They finished last in their group, which included Bayern Munich, with only four points from six games.
Copenhagen and Galatasaray, and the disappointment has raised questions about whether the dugout may be altered.
Manchester United’s struggles in the competition came after ten Hag had been backed in the transfer market, with him spending close to £175million on the likes of Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana during the summer window.
Incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has set his sights on handing De Zerbi the managerial reins after he officially joins the Manchester United board, according to Football Insider, having made the decision to sack ten Hag.
The report suggests the INEOS chief executive, whose £1.25billion deal to acquire a 25 per cent stake in the Red Devils could be confirmed before Christmas, is looking to task the Italian tactician with completely overhauling the style of play if he agrees to make the move from Brighton.
But De Zerbi’s fruitful spell at the Amex Stadium, which has involved leading the Seagulls into a European competition for the first time in their history, has resulted in Manchester United not being the only side looking to lure him away from the south coast.
This is because Carlo Ancelotti’s La Liga rivals Real Madrid have included the 44-year-old on their list of possible replacements. However, Brighton is certain that they will be able to retain Ancelotti since he has a lucrative release clause in his contract.
In the not-too-distant future, De Zerbi might provide the Seagulls even more encouragement as he is rumoured to be pleased in his current surroundings and will likely sign a new deal on better terms despite being linked to Manchester City and teams in his native country.
Because of his remarkable results as the manager of Brighton, a domestic rival, Jones has declined to completely rule out the potential that Manchester United may make a move for De Zerbi when ten Hag’s tenure comes to an end.
Although the respected writer thinks the Red Devils’ management would also take former Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Julen Lopetegui into consideration, he is sceptical that Zinedine Zidane will be in the race for the position.
