De Zerbi’s Future: Analyzing the Marseille Manager’s Potential Move to Manchester United

Roberto De Zerbi, who is presently managing Marseille in Ligue 1, has frequently been associated with the managerial position at Manchester United. Reports indicate that he was interviewed for the role in 2024 but chose to decline the offer. It is said that he even shared the contract he was offered with his players as a source of motivation.

This interview took place prior to United’s appointment of Ruben Amorim, but recent speculation suggests that the club may consider approaching the Italian manager once again.

According to the Daily Mail, the 46-year-old De Zerbi is keen on returning to the Premier League, where he previously managed Brighton. Furthermore, he reportedly has several supporters within the Old Trafford boardroom. However, there is also the possibility that Michael Carrick could solidify his position as the permanent manager in the coming months, following a path similar to that of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Currently, Marseille is ranked third in Ligue 1, trailing behind leaders Lens and the reigning champions, Paris Saint-Germain. De Zerbi’s contract with the club extends until 2027, yet he is not the only candidate being considered for the United role. The club may explore potentially less expensive alternatives like Oliver Glasner, Marco Silva, and Andoni Iraola, all of whom are likely to leave their current teams. Additionally, the upcoming World Cup may unveil new managerial prospects, as Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, and Carlo Ancelotti could depart their respective national teams.

De Zerbi has publicly stated his intention to remain at Marseille until sporting director Medhi Benatia also leaves, asserting, “Benatia loves Marseille, perhaps even more than I do, since he was born and raised here. He’s the one who brought me here. I’m a loyal and honest person. The day Benatia leaves, I’ll leave too.”

He clarified that his commitment is rooted in loyalty to those who initially brought him to the club, namely Benatia and Marseille president Pablo Longoria. While he emphasized that he is capable of working independently, he noted that his departure would coincide with Benatia’s.

In light of the Mail’s report, it appears that Manchester United will not engage in significant transfer activity during the January window, preferring to reserve their resources for the summer. Should a prime target emerge, they would aim to capitalize on the opportunity, but their current focus is on facilitating loan exits for younger players. They are reluctant to let any first-team players depart unless a high-profile signing is secured. Amorim’s departure from United reportedly stemmed from disagreements with director of football Jason Wilcox regarding potential acquisition targets for the winter.

This weekend, United will face Manchester City in a crucial derby as Carrick’s interim reign commences. He has previously managed the club in an interim capacity, overseeing three matches in the 2021-22 season, including a notable victory against Arsenal and a Champions League win against Villarreal. Meanwhile, Marseille is set to compete against Angers in Ligue 1 before facing Liverpool in the Champions League.