Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been given a concerning update regarding one of his top targets for the vacant role as permanent Manchester United manager, with the coach not being ‘good enough’.
Due to an explosive outburst following a 1-1 draw against Leeds United, Manchester United parted ways with Ruben Amorim after only 14 months.
The Reds opted to avoid acquiring a permanent replacement for the time being, with this decision being left until the summer.
As for now, United are being led by interim manager Michael Carrick, who was impressive in his first bout, coaching his side to a 2-0 victory over Manchester City.
Now sitting fifth in the Premier League, United will have their sights set on a Champions League spot for next season, which could heavily impact which manager they choose to bring in.
United candidate embarrassed
In this week’s instalment of the Champions League, Liverpool travelled to Olympique Marseille to face off with Roberto De Zerbi, who has been linked with filling the United manager position.
Despite gaining a reputation for his innovative tactics, and his eye-catching style of football, De Zerbi’s side were battered 3-0 by the Premier League champions.
Following this defeat, French football expert Julian Laurens has fired a warning to Sir Jim Ratcliffe regarding the Italian coach’s ‘limitations’, as per Manchester Evening News.
He said, “I think it’s a good debate to have. As good as he has been at times with Marseille – we mentioned some of the really good performances they’ve had against Newcastle, the game against PSG in the French Super Cup – at times, like tonight, and I know Liverpool are very good, I’m not really sure what he’s trying to do.
“It’s not good enough, and if it’s not good enough for Marseille, would he be good enough for Manchester United? I’m not sure.”
Laurens slates De Zerbi
Laurens continued warning the Reds away from the Italian by stating that, despite De Zerbi’s innovative style, he may not be able to implement his tactics at Old Trafford.
“Obviously, it’s a high-risk, high-reward style of football – we’ve seen that in Italy and at Brighton before. Tonight there was just no high risk at all, so there was never going to be any reward.
“I feel that here he’s struggled to implement what he wants to do with this current squad, but this is a squad that he’s picked; him, Medhi Benatia, the sporting director, and Pablo Longoria, the president.
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“And if he can’t get a tune out of this team in these kinds of games, I’m not sure he’s the right guy for United. Maybe he’s lost a bit of credit. I still think United probably rate him because of what he did before, and I can understand that. But tonight showed his limitations.”
Given the success of Carrick against Manchester City, the Reds will have plenty of time to bide before they have to make a decision, which will allow them to weigh up their options effectively.
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