Sources: Man United have 'spoken' to ex-Brighton boss about manager's position

Roberto De Zerbi is emerging as a leading candidate to take on the Man United job and has previously discussed the position with the club’s hierarchy.

Man United are assessing a number of candidates for the permanent position, despite Michael Carrick‘s early success, and are keen to sound out their options.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, INEOS previously held talks with the 46-year-old as an option to replace Erik ten Hag in 2024.

De Zerbi’s reputation has been enhanced by Marseille‘s success since his arrival, as the club are battling with PSG and Lens towards the top end of Ligue 1.

Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed on 14 November that Man City are keen on De Zerbi as an option to replace Pep Guardiola if he leaves the club in 18 months’ time.

Man United eye Roberto De Zerbi appointment

Football Insider revealed on 11 January that Man United are lining up a “top-class” manager to become their next permanent boss and are drawing up a shortlist.

While there are a number of high-profile candidates for the role, De Zerbi is emerging as one of the leading candidates and has admirers among the United hierarchy.

His Premier League experience makes him a key target, with United keen to recruit somebody who knows the league after Ruben Amorim struggled to adapt.

As I explained on the Transfer Insider podcast, “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.

“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.”

Gareth Southgate ruled out of Man United running

Another manager who was linked with replacing Ten Hag in 2024 was Gareth Southgate, who is still believed to have admirers among the United hierarchy.

The appointment of his long-time assistant Steve Holland to Carrick’s backroom staff added fuel to the fire, but those rumours have now been dismissed.

Football Insider revealed on 17 January that Southgate is not part of Man United’s thinking and is unlikely to be considered to replace Ruben Amorim.

Southgate was believed to be on United’s shortlist shortly after Ruben Amorim was sacked, but there are now more highly-regarded bosses on their radar.

Football Insider revealed on 11 January that Man United are lining up a “top-class” manager to become their next permanent boss and are drawing up a shortlist.

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