Tottenham could do Manchester United chiefs massive favour with next manager move

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Roberto de Zerbi has some high-profile backers when it comes to his chances of becoming the next Manchester United manager. These include the likes of Jaap Stam and Marcel Desailly.

The problem the Italian has though, is that such support doesn't extend to those who make the big decisions at Old Trafford. And this is how it should be. De Zerbi is one of several candidates to be linked with replacing Ruben Amorim at United on a permanent basis. But he doesn't deserve to come close to the shortlist.

What has he done to deserve a crack at one of the most demanding and difficult jobs in world football? Winning the Ukrainian Super Cup with Shakhtar Donetsk in 2021, following a few seasons managing lesser clubs in Italian football? No.

Leading Brighton to an FA Cup semi final and into Europe, on the back of some wonderful recruitment by those who operate behind the scenes? No.

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The first chance he got to go to a big club, De Zerbi took it, when he left Brighton to join Marseille in June, 2024. He led them to second place in Ligue 1 behind Paris Saint Germain, in his first season.

But a woeful Champions League campaign this time round, coupled with a five goal hammering from PSG - the worst defeat Marseille have ever suffered in Le Classique - has seen him sacked after less than two years in charge.

The decision, as usual, is said to have been reached by 'mutual consent'. But it's understood De Zerbi had no say in the matter whatsoever. Once president Pablo Longoria convened a board meeting in the wake of his club's pummelling in Paris, the outcome of discussions was inevitable.

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De Zerbi has proven to be a volatile character in the past. Someone who tends to combust when he doesn't get what he wants. The pressure of turning Marseille into a side capable of challenging PSG for the title was not something he could handle.

So how the heck would he be able to deal with the expectations that come with managing a club like United? One which hasn't come close to winning the Premier League since 2013.

De Zerbi is the antithesis of Michael Carrick, United's interim boss, unbeaten in his first five games. For calm, read chaos.

The Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe want someone with proven quality who can handle all that comes with managing United. And De Zerbi doesn't even come close to being that man.

He is the bookmakers favourite to become the next manager of Tottenham, following the sacking of Thomas Frank. And this would do United a favour if it happens.

Because managing Tottenham might just be De Zerbi's level - while United certainly is not.

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