Sports
4-2-3-1 “genius” dreaming of becoming Man Utd boss
Manchester United’s chances of becoming a powerhouse in the Premier League in the years ahead could all hinge on their next managerial appointment.
Ruben Amorim was given the boot after 14 months in charge at Old Trafford, with the 40-year-old only winning 25 of his 63 matches at the helm in the North West.
His 40% win rate, coupled with the 15th-place finish in the top-flight last campaign, no doubt played on the minds of the hierarchy in their decision-making.
He was also given over £200m worth of funds to make the changes he required to the squad, with the next manager needing to get the best out of the players already at the club.
However, it remains to be seen what route the board will go down for the next head coach, with numerous names currently in the mix to take the reins at the Theatre of Dreams.
Man Utd targeting move for former Premier League manager
In their hunt to appoint a new manager, the United board are considering all options, including an immediate long-term appointment, or even a temporary boss until the end of 2025/26.
Ole Gunnar Solskjær has previously been in such a role at Old Trafford and could return once again after holding talks with the board over a fairytale return to the Red Devils.
The Norwegian has been out of work since being sacked by Besiktas back in August and has stated his desire to return to the position in which he spent nearly three years in.
However, he’s not the only option currently being considered at present, with former Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi someone who’s admitted behind the scenes.
According to TEAMtalk, the Italian is in their sights to fill the role vacated by Amorim, but any deal would certainly cost the board a pretty penny in the process.
The report states that the Red Devils would have to pay a compensation fee to current side Marseille to get him out of his contract with the Ligue 1 side – which runs until the summer of 2027.
It also confirms that the 4-2-3-1 coach is massively keen on the chance to take over in Manchester, viewing it as a ‘dream opportunity’.
Why De Zerbi would be a better appointment than Solskjaer
Given his previous three years as manager at United, the supporters have shown their fondness for a return for Solskjaer to the club and lead them out of a dark time again.
During his previous tenure, he instilled a sense of belief and reason to be positive in the side again after numerous years of struggles post Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 52-year-old’s previous stint didn’t bring any trophies to Old Trafford, but did see the club finish second in the 2020/21 campaign – the joint best finish in the last decade.
However, the previous decision to part ways with the Norwegian may have been a mistake, with the common rule in modern football being you never go back after being sacked.
Such a move would also delay any progress made on the pitch, with the club having to reset once again in the summer when a permanent appointment is made.
As a result, a deal for De Zerbi would certainly make more sense, especially considering his previous experience managing in the Premier League with Brighton.
An immediate appointment would allow the Italian to make his mark and prepare for next summer’s transfer window to make the changes he requires for success.
However, when comparing his stats in England’s top-flight to those of Solskjaer’s, he’s managed to produce some impressive figures in key areas – even doing so with a much smaller budget.
De Zerbi, who’s been dubbed a “genius” by Statman Dave, has achieved a 37% win rate, subsequently taking the Seagulls to their first-ever European campaign.
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Roberto De Zerbi – PL career |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Games managed |
70 |
|
Wins |
26 |
|
Draws |
19 |
|
Losses |
25 |
|
Goals scored |
116 |
|
Goals against |
110 |
|
Points per game |
1.39 |
|
Stats via Transfermarkt |
|
United have gone without any form of European football this campaign, with the Italian able to tak the club back to the top and feature against the best teams in the world.
He’s also managed a tally of 1.7 goals per 90 in the Premier League, with such a record higher than the tally produced by Solskjaer during his time in charge at Old Trafford.
De Zerbi’s talents are also showcased defensively, with his tally of 1.3 goals conceded per 90, better than any of the last two managers to fill the role in Manchester.
Whilst the sentimental value will no doubt be there for Solskjaer, the club should steer clear of any reunion, subsequently putting their focus on a deal for the Marseille boss.
He’s shown he’s capable of thriving in the Premier League when previously given the chance, with his managerial profile the exact thing the club needs heading into 2026 and beyond.
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