Manchester United’s hunt for a new permanent manager is likely to be the hottest topic of the summer. More than a decade after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, the Red Devils are still searching for an able successor who can bring the glory days back to the Theatre of Dreams.
The Premier League giants have had six permanent managers during that time, with none of them lasting more than three seasons. Only Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Erik ten Hag were able to add silverware to the trophy cabinet, although none of them could win the Premier League or the Champions League.
Former head coach Ruben Amorim was supposed to be the man to get United back to their heyday, but the Portuguese bowed out at the beginning of this year with a mere 38.10% win ratio. Michael Carrick took over last month as caretaker manager until the end of the season and has won his first three games in charge, prompting talk of a permanent appointment.
However, Red Devils legend Jaap Stam has advised the club to appoint Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi for the job instead.
Stam wants De Zerbi
Speaking recently, as cited by the Mirror, Stam insisted that the former Brighton & Hove head coach would be a good fit at the Theatre of Dreams. He said: “I like De Zerbi very much, you know, because of how he performed at Brighton and also now in Marseille.”
“How he’s playing with his teams, because he plays possession-based football, he’s very good on the ball. He also sets the players in certain positions that it makes it really difficult for the opposition to press them.”
“You know, he’s going forward, he attacks. Scores a lot of goals, sometimes concedes, but you know that as a manager.”
“But I think he’s also a good man-manager. I think he’s also good with the players and giving them the confidence, giving them the attention they need – and not only the starting XI, but also the other players within the squad. And that’s what you need in a big club like that. So I would be very happy if they don’t go for Carrick, and that they go for him.”
De Zerbi’s record in the Premier League
De Zerbi is reportedly among the shortlisted candidates for the full-time Old Trafford job, with his future in doubt following Marseille’s Champions League exit. The Italian manager spent close to two years at Brighton & Hove Albion, so he is already aware of the rigours of the Premier League.
During his time at the Amex, De Zerbi transformed the Seagulls into a well-drilled attacking unit, earning widespread acclaim. He joined Marseille in the summer of 2024 and has won 57.35% of his games with the French giants.
Roberto De Zerbi Managerial Stats
Team From To Games Played Games Won Games Drawn Games Lost Win %
Darfo Boario 19 November 2013 30 June 2014 22 5 5 12 22.73
Foggia 1 July 2014 14 August 2016 91 47 25 19 51.65
Palermo 6 September 2016 30 November 2016 13 1 3 9 7.69
Benevento 23 October 2017 30 June 2018 29 6 3 20 20.69
Sassuolo 1 July 2018 24 May 2021 120 43 36 41 35.83
Shakhtar Donetsk 25 May 2021 11 July 2022 30 20 5 5 66.67
Brighton & Hove Albion 18 September 2022 30 June 2024 89 38 22 29 42.70
Marseille 1 July 2024 Present 68 39 10 19 57.35
Source: Wikipedia.
A previous report relayed by The Peoples Person has suggested that the Italian is keen to become United’s next permanent manager, which could help matters as well.
Final Thoughts
De Zerbi could be an exciting choice for the full-time job, but his lack of trophy-winning experience could put him behind the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Xavi and Carlo Ancelotti in the race. Meanwhile, it would also be unwise to rule out Carrick, especially following his stunning impact at the Theatre of Dreams.
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