A top coach on Manchester United's radar

Manchester United is closely monitoring a top manager

Europe 15 January 2026 at 04:18

The future of the Manchester United dugout continues to fuel speculation, with one name persistently circulating both internally and in the media: Roberto De Zerbi. The news, first broken exclusively by TEAMtalk, has since been corroborated by several leading sources, confirming the genuine interest of the United hierarchy in the current Marseille manager.

De Zerbi, a profile that appeals at Old Trafford

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United's interest in De Zerbi dates back to spring 2024, when the club was already considering different options for life after Erik ten Hag. This lead has been confirmed in recent days by Fabrizio Romano, who stated: "Two names I can guarantee INEOS will consider are Thomas Tuchel and Roberto De Zerbi," while also noting that the Italian was already on the shortlist last summer.

This candidacy has also received public backing from Rio Ferdinand, who said on his podcast:

"More than someone like Tuchel, De Zerbi is a manager I would choose. He’s a real coach, capable of making his teams play and develop."

All signs point to the Italian tactician emerging as a credible option to usher in a new era at Old Trafford.

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: INEOS are considering Thomas Tuchel and De Zerbi for the Manchester United job!

— @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/aTBgOhB0xc
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) January 13, 2026