Roberto De Zerbi offers strong response to Man United links | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi has addressed speculation linking him with the Manchester United hot seat for the first time since Ruben Amorim’s dismissal earlier this month.

Long-Term Successor

INEOS reached the bombshell decision to sack Amorim after an explosive breakdown in the relationship with sporting director Jason Wilcox.

Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher took charge of the senior side in the Portuguese’s absence, before Michael Carrick was then appointed as caretaker until the end of the season. The former Middlesbrough manager was handed a baptism of fire – the Manchester Derby – for his first game, but he oversaw the club’s best performance in years as United demolished City on Saturday afternoon.

The 2-0 win, which should have been a far bigger scoreline, has reignited enthusiasm at Old Trafford after the painful nadir in the FA Cup third round exit to Brighton & Hove Albion. There are even growing calls for Carrick to be in consideration for the job permanently – a prospect the 44-year-old coach is believed to have one eye on.

United’s plan is to appoint a long-term successor for Amorim over the summer, when the pool of candidates will grow as the season – and World Cup – comes to an end.

De Zerbi is understood to be one of the leading candidates on INEOS’s shortlist after coming close to being appointed in 2024, before the club ultimately decided to stick with Erik ten Hag.

Roberto De Zerbi - Managerial Stats

The Italian manager, then in charge of Brighton, was interviewed and made a strong impression. His tactical approach is admired by United’s rulers, while his experience in the Premier League is a key attribute they are looking for in a new head coach, having been twice burned by external appointments before.

De Zerbi responds to links

Speaking in a press conference today, De Zerbi responded to reports linking him to Old Trafford by insisting his focus is on Olympique de Marseille, where he has been manager since June 2024, shortly after he was assessed for the United job.

The 46-year-old is preparing Marseille to face Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday – and he insists tomorrow night’s “crucial” game is the only thing he is thinking about, though he left the door slightly ajar for a potential exit.

“My focus is totally on Marseille. I wanted to come here. 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.”

De Zerbi’s contract at the Orange Velodrome Stadium expires in 18 months after signing a three-year deal when joining from Brighton.

Marseille are third in Ligue 1, eight points behind surprise table-toppers Lens, and have already exited the Coupe de France after a penalty shoot-out defeat to LOSC Lille last week.

Marseille is a football-mad city with a proud history and standing within French football. But the prospect of leading INEOS’s revolution at Old Trafford would be a temptation too difficult for most managers to turn down; it feels impossible for one to do it twice.

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