Michael Carrick’s future at Manchester United remains up in the air, as reports state that the hunt for the next manager is still on.
The start of the new year saw Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim leave Old Trafford, with the club once again left to search for a new manager.
Former United midfielder Michael Carrick was then appointed as interim manager and has been left in charge of the club until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Carrick has so impressed so far, winning all three fixtures he’s been in the dugout for. He’s helped United climb to fourth in the Premier League standings, with Champions League football very much on the cards for the Reds.
While fans and pundits alike have agreed that Carrick is a worthy option for the permanent role, recent reports have suggested that United have their eye on someone else.
Jaap Stam wants De Zerbi
Former United defender Jaap Stam has urged United to turn to outside the club for their next boss, arguing that there is someone far better suited to the role.
After winning six major trophies with the club, including the 1999 Treble and playing under managerial legend Sir Alex Ferguson, Stam feels he understands exactly what the club need to get back to their winning ways.
The Dutchman argued that the current Marseille manager, Roberto De Zerbi, is exactly what Manchester United have been searching for.
Speaking on the matter, Stam 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.”
“Good with the players” – Stam on De Zerbi’s character
Stam didn’t only praise the Italian’s tactical mindset but his ability to forge effective relationships with his players.
Negative manager-player relationships were a huge problem under Amorim and led to big names leaving the club, so a manager able to foster positive relations with the players would be one who is welcomed with open arms.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
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