Manchester United are linked heavily with recently available manager Roberto De Zerbi, but there is one clause that INEOS must consider.
After the arrival of Jim Ratcliffe and his investment group INEOS, the new board began to impose its philosophy on Manchester United.
This clashed with the previous structure imposed under Erik ten Hag, where the manager is given almost authoritarian power over multiple aspects of the club.
Examples of this include the signing of Andre Onana, as it was recently reported that many figures at the club wanted to sign alternative options to the ageing Cameroonian keeper.
Now, it has been reported that Roberto De Zerbi, a possible long-term replacement for the recently departed Ruben Amorim, wants to make a change back to the idea of a manager and not a ‘head coach’.
De Zerbi wants say in recruitment
The United Stand reported quotes from journalist Ben Jacobs, saying how De Zerbi wants a significant say in the recruitment process.
This is much like the previous appointment of ten Hag, who, as previously said, the board wanted to give almost complete control over the day-to-day aspects of the club.
Ben Jacobs said this about the possible acquisition: “He’s in Manchester United’s thinking as well, but they would have to convince him that he’s the right fit for their model, or change their model a little bit because Roberto De Zerbi, much more so than Tuchel, wants a significant say in the world of recruitment.”
De Zerbi is known in England for his success at Brighton. After Graham Potter took the Seagulls as far as he could, De Zerbi stepped the club’s ambition up another level.
The Italian manager guided Brighton to their highest-ever league finish in 2023 and made the semi-finals of the FA Cup that same season, undoubtedly Brighton’s best-ever campaign.
His impressive stint at Marseille and ability to sign and improve eventual top-tier talents could be enticing for United, as the cub look for a long-term manager.
What does De Zerbi’s philosophy look like?
The 46-year-old has become known for his tactical adaptability, switching fluently between a 4-2-3-1, 4-4-2, and 3-4-2-1 at French giants Marseille.
This is an aspect that recent managers at United have lacked, particularly former gaffer Amorim, whose rigid 3-4-2-1 system, along with other factors, contributed to his demise.
If De Zerbi is hired, United fans can expect a double pivot as a certainty, which suits the current squad and superstar Kobbie Mainoo very well.
Read More: “I got in contact…” Andy Mitten reveals details on Ruben Amorim silence since Man Utd departure
De Zerbi, though controversial, is an obvious leader with exceptional people management. As seen in his transformation of Mason Greenwood at Marseille.
The appointment of De Zerbi should benefit players like Mainoo and Amad, who fit his mould extremely well and can play in a disciplined De Zerbi system.
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