Man United next manager: Roberto De Zerbi’s chances of being appointed revealed
Roberto De Zerbi has his eyes set on a return to the Premier League after he emerged as a contender for the vacant Manchester United job.
Michael Carrick remains the strong favourite to extend his stay at Old Trafford after a positive interim spell, but the former Brighton boss is among those in consideration.
They are not the only club looking for a new boss, though, with the likes of Tottenham, Crystal Palace and potentially Bournemouth and Fulham in the market.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that De Zerbi would “love” to return to the Premier League following his spell with Marseille.
However, he is not believed to be among the leading contenders for the Red Devils and may have to look elsewhere as Man United weigh up other managerial contenders.
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VISIT THE MANAGER HUBRoberto De Zerbi sets sights on Premier League return
Football Insider revealed last month that Tottenham are keen on De Zerbi and believe he ticks a lot of boxes in their search for a long-term Thomas Frank replacement.
They may now have been handed a boost in their pursuit with Man United unlikely to be in the race despite him emerging on their radar.
“De Zerbi is looking to return to the Premier League,” Brown told Football Insider.
“There are a number of managers, De Zerbi included, who are out of job and would love to manage in the Premier League if the opportunity came up.
“The question is just about how keen clubs are to take him. He’s been on Man United’s radar, but I would be surprised if they turned to him now.
“Carrick is in a good position there and I don’t see De Zerbi being ahead of him in that race.
“But there are other Premier League jobs that will be available in the summer, there’s Tottenham for example where I’m sure he’ll be a contender.
“So just because I don’t think he’ll get the United job doesn’t mean he won’t be back in the Premier League, because he is a highly rated manager.”
Who will be the next Man United manager?
With De Zerbi considered unlikely to become the next Man United manager, they are still assessing a number of potential options for the summer.
Carrick remains the favourite, despite suffering his first loss as interim boss in a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, after what has been a largely successful spell.
Brown told Football Insider on 2 March that Benjamin Sesko has loved working under Carrick and is one of the key stars pushing for his appointment.
The 44-year-old, whose current stint is set to run until the end of the season, has helped United move up to third in the Premier League table as things stand.
If he can lead United into the Champions League, ahead of the likes of Aston Villa and Chelsea, there is a growing feeling the job will be his.
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