As Manchester United continue their search for a permanent head coach in the summer, an ex-Premier League manager has emerged as a leading candidate.
Manchester United are assessing a plethora of candidates as their search for a permanent head coach next season continues.
Their current interim head-coach, Michael Carrick, started his second stint at the club in style, beating rivals Man City with ease, coming away 2-0 winners on derby day.
If Carrick were to replicate the form that he brought to Middlesbrough when he first joined the North-East side, winning 16 out of his opening 23 games in the Championship, the argument could be made that he deserves to lead the side past the summer.
Despite this, in negotiations for the interim role, it was revealed that no matter what happens in his stint at Old Trafford, he will not be the long-term Man United manager.
Roberto de Zerbi emerges as leading candidate
As reported by Football Insider, Roberto de Zerbi is emerging as one of the leading candidates for the job next summer, with his Premier League experience making him a key target.
The site’s Transfer Correspondent, Pete O’Rourke, commented on the links between the Italian manager and Manchester United, saying: “I think he’ll definitely be on the list. There’s no doubt about it.
“He was on the list in the summer of 2024 when INEOS were considering sacking Erik Ten Hag, but he ended up leaving Brighton to go to Marseille.
“He’s somebody that they’ve continued to keep tabs on him and as you said, De Zerbi has done a very good job at Marseille.
“So, De Zerbi will be one of the names that United will be looking at. And as I said, there’s been previous there before, having spoken to him previously when they considered sacking Erik ten Hag.
Premier League experience shouldn’t be a necessity
O’Rourke further went on to say: “So, again, a manager with Premier League experience. He’s got a lot that I think the profile that United are looking at.
“A young, exciting manager, plays good football and has Premier League experience, so he’ll definitely be in the reckoning.”
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While INEOS’s shift in transfer policy to prioritising Premier League talent has been successful, as seen by the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, having the same requirement for managers doesn’t historically make sense, as only two managers who have previously worked in the league have won the title.
Claudio Ranieri, who previously managed Chelsea, won the league with Leicester City, while José Mourinho won the league with Chelsea in his second stint at the club.
While INEOS may feel burned by Rúben Amorim after sticking by their preferred choice despite several poor runs of form, it is important that this doesn’t cloud their judgment, and they simply go for the best manager possible, regardless of Premier League experience.
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