Manchester United Eyes Roberto De Zerbi Amid Managerial Search

Manchester United finds itself at another pivotal crossroads as the club seeks a permanent solution to its managerial conundrum, following a turbulent few months that have seen the sacking of Ruben Amorim and the interim stewardship of Michael Carrick. With only 16 Premier League games remaining in the 2025-2026 season and exits from both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, the Red Devils are laser-focused on a top-four finish to salvage a campaign marred by inconsistency and upheaval.

The search for United’s next permanent manager is already dominating headlines, with a host of high-profile names linked to the Old Trafford hot seat. Among them, Roberto De Zerbi, the current Marseille boss, has emerged as a particularly intriguing candidate, thanks to his innovative tactical approach and his proven ability to punch above his weight in both the Premier League and Ligue 1.

De Zerbi’s name is not new to the Manchester United rumor mill. According to multiple reports, he was a leading contender for the job as early as May 2024, when Ineos, United’s part-owners, interviewed him as a possible replacement for Erik ten Hag. However, De Zerbi ultimately chose to join Marseille on a three-year deal, turning down an offer from United—a decision he later explained to his Marseille squad by projecting a copy of the contract onto a screen, stating, “This is where I could have been, but I put my passion before money. I came to Marseille for the passion.”

Since his arrival in France, De Zerbi has continued to enhance his reputation. In his debut season, he guided Marseille to a runners-up finish behind Paris Saint-Germain, and as of January 2026, the club sits third in Ligue 1, trailing only Lens and PSG. Marseille are also well positioned to qualify for the Champions League play-offs, with a crucial tie against Liverpool on the horizon. De Zerbi’s focus, as he made clear in a recent press conference, remains firmly on his current club. “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 and 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 said, echoing a professional but noncommittal stance regarding his long-term plans.

Despite his contractual commitment to Marseille until the summer of 2027, the speculation about a move to Manchester persists. United’s management, ever eager to find a transformative figure, is reportedly considering other experienced candidates such as Thomas Tuchel, Luis Enrique, Xavi Hernandez, and Oliver Glasner. Yet, De Zerbi’s Premier League pedigree—most notably his two-year spell at Brighton & Hove Albion—makes him a particularly attractive option.

De Zerbi’s time at Brighton was nothing short of revolutionary for both club and coach. Appointed in September 2022, he oversaw 89 matches, leading the Seagulls to a historic sixth-place finish in his first season, which secured the club’s maiden Europa League qualification. Brighton also reached the FA Cup semifinals under his stewardship. His tactical approach, centered on the concept of possessional transition, earned plaudits throughout England. Rather than relying on traditional high pressing, De Zerbi’s sides build from the back, baiting opponents into pressing and then exploiting the spaces that open up as a result.

His preferred formations—typically a 4-2-3-1 but also a 3-4-3 at Marseille—allow for flexible, attacking football that emphasizes quick passing, off-ball movement, and calculated risk-taking. De Zerbi’s teams are known for their ability to spring traps for the opposition, using square and triangle passes to draw out defenders before slicing through lines of pressure. The goalkeeper often plays a key role in the buildup, stepping up as an additional outfield player to maintain numerical superiority at the back.

This approach, while innovative, is not without its critics. Some analysts argue that De Zerbi’s tactics, once considered revolutionary, have become less effective as opponents have adapted. The trend toward more direct, less press-heavy football in Europe means that his signature style may not always yield the same results as it did during his Brighton heyday. Moreover, De Zerbi has yet to win a major trophy in his managerial career—a fact that gives some United fans pause, given the club’s storied history and lofty ambitions.

Nonetheless, De Zerbi’s influence on the modern game is undeniable. His ability to maximize resources and instill a clear tactical identity has made him one of Europe’s most respected coaches. At Shakhtar Donetsk, he won the Ukrainian Super Cup and led the league before departing due to the outbreak of war. At Sassuolo, he reached the UEFA Conference League playoff round, and at Benevento and Foggia, he earned a reputation for developing young talent and playing attractive football.

For Manchester United, the question is whether De Zerbi’s strengths align with the club’s current needs. With Bruno Fernandes orchestrating the midfield and a squad in need of both direction and inspiration, De Zerbi’s possession-based, attacking style could be a natural fit. His experience in the Premier League means he would not require an adjustment period to the rigors of English football—a significant advantage over other continental candidates.

As things stand, Michael Carrick remains at the helm, charged with steering United toward a Champions League berth. The club’s hierarchy, meanwhile, is weighing its options, keenly aware that the next managerial appointment could define the next era at Old Trafford. De Zerbi’s name will undoubtedly remain in the conversation, especially if Marseille’s season continues on its upward trajectory and United’s search for stability remains unresolved.

With the action ongoing on both sides of the Channel—Marseille fighting for Champions League glory and United pushing for a top-four finish—the future of Roberto De Zerbi is set to be one of football’s most closely watched storylines in the months ahead. Whether his journey leads him to Manchester or keeps him in Marseille, his impact on the modern game is already well established, and his next move could be the catalyst for another chapter of tactical evolution at one of Europe’s great clubs.