Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp have openly expressed their admiration for Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi amidst Manchester United’s interest in him.
Manchester Evening News reports that United is eyeing De Zerbi as uncertainty looms over Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford.
With United enduring their 10th Premier League defeat this season, losing 2-1 to Fulham, they find themselves eight points away from the top four.
Ineos, the club’s owners, have been considering potential replacements for Ten Hag. De Zerbi, 44, has impressed since taking charge at Brighton in September 2022, succeeding Graham Potter.
Under his guidance, Brighton reached the FA Cup semi-finals last season and secured a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, earning Europa League qualification.
They also topped their Europa League group and are set to face Roma in the last-16 next month.
De Zerbi’s success at Brighton, coupled with their attractive style of play, has garnered widespread acclaim. Despite initial concerns following Potter’s departure, De Zerbi has elevated Brighton to new heights, earning admiration from neutrals.
His achievements have sparked speculation about his future, with links to potential managerial positions at Liverpool and Manchester City once Guardiola departs.
Guardiola and Klopp have both praised De Zerbi for his impact on English football, with Guardiola commending his unique playing style and Klopp expressing respect for his contributions.
While De Zerbi’s potential appointment as Klopp’s successor remains uncertain, United’s interest underscores his managerial prowess.
Given United’s aspirations to challenge City and Liverpool, appointing De Zerbi could signal a significant coup, given his proven ability to implement a clear philosophy and style of play.
Although United’s pursuit of De Zerbi is not guaranteed, it reflects Ratcliffe’s ambition to revamp the club’s structure and culture. De Zerbi’s success at Brighton suggests he can thrive if provided with the right environment, aligning with Ratcliffe’s vision for United’s future.
As such, while De Zerbi’s potential move to United remains speculative, it highlights the club’s determination to compete at the highest level under new ownership.
