Roberto De Zerbi has been among the names linked with Manchester United including Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel and Xabi Alonso
Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi looks on
Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has been linked with the Man United head coach job (Image: Getty Images)
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Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi has broken his silence amid reports linking him with the permanent head coach role at Manchester United. The Reds are searching for a new permanent head coach after sacking Ruben Amorim.
Former United midfielder Michael Carrick will take charge as interim head coach until the end of the season, with his sights set on securing Champions League football at Old Trafford. The ex-Middlesbrough boss won over United's top brass during talks and is being assisted by coaches Steve Holland and Travis Binnion in M16.
Carrick helped to mastermind United's impressive 2-0 Manchester derby win over Manchester City on Saturday. But he is not expected to be the club's head coach beyond the summer at this stage.
One name being linked is former Brighton & Hove Albion boss De Zerbi. The Italian, now at Marseille, fits the reported criteria by United’s hierarchy of a manager who has Premier League experience.
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And Speaking on Tuesday before Marseille's Champions League fixture against Liverpool - De Zerbi has attempted to cool rumours linking him with an exit.
He said: "My focus is totally on Marseille. I wanted to come here.
Roberto De Zerbi
Roberto De Zerbi has responded to talk of a move to Manchester United(Image: Getty Images)
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"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, with this club.
"As for the future, we have got to speak in the next month. In the next year, I don't know."
United would likely need to negotiate a fee with the Ligue 1 side to bring the 46-year-old to Old Trafford, should they wish to do so.
It remains to be seen what United will have planned for the head coach position when the summer arrives, with plenty of Premier League matches still to play before the end of the season.
Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Enrique is another name that has been suggested, with Xabi Alonso also mentioned after leaving Real Madrid last week.
United return to action on Sunday away at Premier League leaders Arsenal as they chase a top four finish.