Noise around the future of Ruben Amorim is only continuing to grow, with Manchester United considering a head coach who rejected Ineos in 2024.
Ruben Amorim might not have lost the public backing of the Manchester United hierarchy just yet; however, without a win against Sunderland, there is a feeling his position will become untenable.
Amorim has promised changes to the system, and this is probably the only way United will see improvements enough for the head coach to turn things around.
Against Sunderland, Amorim must make multiple changes to United; otherwise, it could be a very long afternoon at Old Trafford.
With a terrible start to the Premier League season, United sit 14th, and replacements for Amorim are beginning to be considered.
Roberto De Zerbi on the touchline giving instructions.
Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates /Getty Images
Manchester United eyeing Roberto De Zerbi
While the club will be considering his future, Amorim has been urged to quit United, saving his career and reputation in the process.
As a result, this week has seen United linked with a move to appoint Xavi, and the Spaniard is not the only option on the table.
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Now, United in Focus can reveal via Graeme Bailey that Marseille and former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi have emerged as a target.
“United in Focus understands that Roberto De Zerbi is regarded highly by Manchester United’s hierarchy and would be someone they considered if, and when, they move on from Ruben Amorim.
“Amorim’s continues to be under huge pressure to turn things around at Old Trafford, and despite backing from the club, including sporting director Jason Wilcox, they are doing their due diligence on potential targets.
“The likes of Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner have impressed, whilst former England boss Sir Gareth Southgate has recently spoken with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
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“Now De Zerbi, who was strongly linked with the role before Amorim was appointed, is now back on the radar.
“After leaving Brighton, De Zerbi took charge of Marseille in 2024 and led them to second place last season, transforming their squad.
“Even this season, Marseille have lowered the colours of champions Paris Saint-Germain, and De Zerbi is again considered an outstanding coach, and United in Focus understands he is an option for United.
“United in Focus understands that any prospective new coach would ideally have Premier League experience.”
Premier League experience is a key factor in United’s thinking over who will be the next head coach. Cesc Fabregas’s lack of management in England is going against him, as Bailey reveals.
“Fabregas is held in high regard by many clubs. The work he has done at Como is highly regarded – that said, in terms of Manchester United, I am led to believe that should they find a replacement for Amorim, that person would need previous Premier League managerial experience.
“The hierarchy are doing due diligence, but Amorim retains their support.”
Roberto De Zerbi claims he rejected Manchester United in 2024
Back in 2024, when Erik ten Hag was under severe pressure after an eighth-place finish, something which would now be a success, De Zerbi emerged as a contender.
However, the Italian ended up in France, where De Zerbi told his Marseille players he rejected United.
“This is where I could have been, but I put my passion before money. I came to Marseille for the passion,” De Zerbi is claimed to have said after using an overhead projector to show what he turned down to move to Marseille for passion.
This new link sees the Italian back in the limelight at United, and it would be an exciting addition for the Red Devils.