Tottenham make bold move to hijack Man United’s pursuit of Roberto De Zerbi | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly taken a drastic step in an effort to beat Manchester United to the services of Roberto De Zerbi.

De Zerbi on United’s radar

Despite the success that Michael Carrick has enjoyed since he was named Ruben Amorim’s temporary replacement in December last year, it’s still not a foregone conclusion that he will be given the job on a permanent basis.

Carrick has won six, drawn one and lost one of the eight games he has taken charge of. He currently has the Red Devils in third place in the Premier League table and firmly within reach of finishing inside the guaranteed Champions League places.

United maintain that they will conduct a thorough recruitment process. Members of the football leadership group intend to consider all their options rather than jump the gun due to the transformation Carrick has overseen.

De Zerbi has been mentioned to be of interest to the 20-time English Champions.

The Italian coach is available after he parted ways with Marseille in February in the aftermath of the side’s embarrassing 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

He spent two years at Brighton & Hove Albion, leading the Seagulls to the Europa League in his first season. The club went on to reach the last 16 of the competition in the 2023/24 campaign. Brighton announced at the end of that season that De Zerbi would depart. He then sealed a switch to Marseille, securing a second-placed finish in his first year at The Stade Vélodrome.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that De Zerbi also has admirers at Tottenham. Like United, the North London outfit are being led by a caretaker boss, having sacked Thomas Frank a few weeks ago.

Igor Tudor, by contrast, has endured a difficult start, losing each of his first three games in charge. Tottenham are 16th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone.

Facing the real prospect of Championship football next season, they are reportedly considering a proactive move for De Zerbi before the current season finishes, per GIVEMESPORT.

The news outlet claims that Tottenham have opened talks with De Zerbi – a development that could spell major trouble for United.

De Zerbi update

According to GIVEMESPORT, “Tottenham Hotspur can stun Premier League rivals Manchester United and get one over on them by winning the race to hire Roberto De Zerbi, after holding talks over hiring the Italian.”

“While an appointment is most likely at the end of the season, Tottenham could be forced to make a permanent hire earlier than that if Tudor’s poor form continues.”

“It remains to be seen whether De Zerbi will be willing to arrive in the next weeks and try and keep Spurs in the Premier League, but if not, it is something that will be more likely if and when they guarantee their spot in the top flight for 2026-27.”

United are unlikely to be fazed by this update, given how strongly things are progressing with Carrick. Furthermore, it has been claimed that De Zerbi is leaning towards the Old Trafford hot seat.

Carrick and his players return to action on Sunday when they host Aston Villa.

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