Manchester United have been boosted in their search for their next permanent manager, with Roberto De Zerbi one of two Michael Carrick alternatives keen on the job, according to TEAMtalk.
Man United senior officials have been a major conundrum ahead of the summer thanks to Carrick's performance as caretaker manager, where he has taken 22 points from a possible 27 to put the Red Devils in pole position, behind Arsenal and Manchester City, to qualify for the Champions League next season.
Should they reach Europe's elite club competition for the first time since the 2023-24 season, it would allow them to attract a higher calibre of manager than if they were to miss out, with many managers seeing it as the pinnacle of club football.
If United chiefs do opt against giving Carrick the gig on a full-time basis, they will have plenty of other suitors for the job in what could be a big few months ahead for the future of the club.
De Zerbi Wants Man United Job
Former Marseille and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi
According to TEAMtalk, De Zerbi is keen on the position having left his job at Marseille last month.
The Italian has been an impressive performer in France and with Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League previously, which has led to calls from Liverpool boss Arne Slot at the beginning of 2026 that he is 'one of the best managers in the world'.
The 46-year-old, who was labelled as 'world-class' by Adam Lallana when the duo worked together at the Amex Stadium, led Marseille to a second-placed finish in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint-Germain last term.
He was unable to quite match that level this term, although the club was still fourth in the standings when he left by mutual consent in February following a 5-0 defeat to PSG and a Champions League exit at the hands of Club Brugge.
De Zerbi is well respected by his peers and was previously called 'one of the most influential manager of the last 20 years' by Pep Guardiola.
However, Carrick is emerging in pole position to take the job permanently, even though the club is doing due diligence on other options.
Nagelsmann Also Keen on United Job
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann during a press conference
De Zerbi isn't the only top coach interested in replacing Carrick at Old Trafford however, with Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann also keen, according to the same report.
Unlike De Zerbi, who is available now, United would have to wait until Germany exit the 2026 World Cup before they would have the opportunity to bring him to the club, and that could count against him depending on how early in the summer the Red Devils want the situation to be sorted.
There are other targets United are unlikely to appoint, with England boss Thomas Tuchel recently signing a new deal to remain as Three Lions manager beyond the World Cup.
Luis Enrique of PSG and Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone have also been mentioned, but neither are said to have expressed a real desire to manage in England anytime soon.
According to GIVEMESPORT sources, United chiefs have also discussed the possibility of hiring Portugal manager Roberto Martinez.
If United do choose to turn their back on Carrick, then De Zerbi will surely be one of the strong frontrunners for the job.