Man United next manager: 44-year-old leapfrogs Graham Potter to become new top contender – sources
Roberto De Zerbi has leapfrogged Graham Potter in the Man United manager shortlist should Erik ten Hag leave at the end of the season, sources have told Football Insider.
It is believed that Potter, who was most recently sacked by Chelsea in April, is admired by chiefs at Old Trafford and is under consideration.
However, well-placed sources told Football Insider that current Brighton boss De Zerbi, 44, is now deemed a more desirable option to replace the under-pressure Erik ten Hag in the dugout and is “highly favoured”.
Sources told Football Insider last month (16 February) that in-coming recruitment chief Dan Ashworth and head of football operations Sir Jim Ratcliffe do not see ten Hag as a long-term manager at the club.
Roberto De Zerbi high on Man United manager targets
A lacklustre second season with the Premier League giants, including a group stage elimination from the Champions League and multiple questionable signings, has put the Dutchman under significant pressure.
He has bought himself some time following Sunday’s landmark FA Cup win over Liverpool, secured in the most sensational fashion in extra time.
United have been shortlisting potential replacements for ten Hag, 54, and De Zerbi is high on their list.
The Italian has done an exceptional job with the Seagulls since replacing Potter in September 2022.
He brought Brighton into Europe for the first time in their history by qualifying for the Europa Conference League last season, but they were recently eliminated in the last-16 by Serie A giants AS Roma.
De Zerbi has also been eyed by Liverpool and Barcelona, with Football Insider revealing (23 February) that Brighton are expecting a “huge” battle to keep him in Sussex.
Meanwhile, Potter has been without a club since being sacked by Chelsea following his disastrous seven-month spell.
Man United sit sixth in the Premier League table after their 2-0 win against Everton last week (9 March).
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