Roberto De Zerbi has already made his feelings clear about Man United amid long-term manager search
Roberto De Zerbi is being re-linked with a move to Man United as the search for a permanent manager begins at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick has been installed as Man United’s interim manager, but behind the scenes, figures will be working frantically to find a long-term solution for the 2026-27 campaign.
Ruben Amorim fell out with Jason Wilcox before his eventual demise at the Theatre of Dreams, winning 40 per cent of his games and lashing out after defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup.
There are several big named being floated as potential replacements for the Red Devils, with even Ole Gunnar Solskjaer linked with Man United, and De Zerbi has rejoined that list [Daily Mail].
Man United keen to find a permanent manager appointment soon
Often having interesting encounters with United during his days at the Amex Stadium, the Italian quickly became a respected figure by those at Old Trafford, and that was made clear in 2024.
He was interviewed by Ineos as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag, though by the time the Red Devils came to making a change in the dugout, he had already moved on to Ligue 1 giants Marseille.
Of course, he has made an incredible impression in France, with Marseille finishing second in the league last term, and his team sitting eight points behind first this season.
The 46-year-old clearly remains a well-thought-of figure in Manchester, also being loved by Pep Guardiola, but he made his feelings about a move to United very clear at the end of 2024.
De Zerbi clearly has no intentions of joining Man United
According to reports, after De Zerbi received an offer from the Premier League giants, he showed his squad the deal before the 2024-25 campaign began.
It is understood that he told his players, “This is where I could have been, but I put my passion before money. I came to Marseille for the passion.”
The former Brighton boss has also threatened to quit during his time in France, stating that he would “leave without the money” because he is only at the club for passion.
This would suggest that Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe already have their answer when it comes to De Zerbi. The manager is building a project with Marseille, and no amount of money can drag him away.