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.
According to reports from Manchester Evening News, United is considering De Zerbi as uncertainty surrounds Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford.
Following their 10th Premier League defeat this season, a 2-1 loss to Fulham, United now sit eight points adrift of the top four.
Ineos, the club’s owners, have been exploring potential replacements for Ten Hag. De Zerbi, aged 44, has made a positive impression since taking the helm at Brighton in September 2022, succeeding Graham Potter.
During his tenure, Brighton reached the FA Cup semi-finals last season and secured a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, earning Europa League qualification.
Additionally, they topped their Europa League group and are scheduled to face Roma in the last-16 next month.
De Zerbi’s achievements at Brighton, alongside their attractive style of play, have earned widespread praise. Despite initial concerns following Potter’s departure, De Zerbi has elevated Brighton to new heights, garnering admiration from observers.
His success has sparked speculation about his future, with links to potential managerial roles at Liverpool and Manchester City once Guardiola departs.
Both Guardiola and Klopp have lauded De Zerbi for his impact on English football, with Guardiola praising his distinctive playing style and Klopp showing respect for his contributions.
While it’s uncertain whether De Zerbi will succeed Klopp, United’s interest underscores his managerial prowess.
Considering United’s ambitions to challenge City and Liverpool, appointing De Zerbi could be a significant move, 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 overhaul the club’s structure and culture. De Zerbi’s success at Brighton suggests he can thrive in the right environment, aligning with Ratcliffe’s vision for United’s future.
Therefore, while De Zerbi’s potential move to United remains speculative, it underscores the club’s determination to compete at the highest level under new ownership.
