Manchester United’s Pursuit of Roberto De Zerbi as Erik ten Hag’s Successor Stalls Over Salary Disagreements
Manchester United has been exploring managerial options, eyeing Roberto De Zerbi as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag. The initial discussions faltered due to disagreements over salary, as reported by The Athletic.
Manchester United’s Managerial Search
After experiencing a disappointing stretch of one win in eight league matches in May 2024, Manchester United’s leadership decided it was time for a change at Old Trafford. The club identified several candidates for the managerial role:
- Roberto De Zerbi
- Thomas Tuchel
- Mauricio Pochettino
- Thomas Frank
- Marco Silva
- Graham Potter
Among these, Tuchel and De Zerbi emerged as the top contenders. However, Tuchel was not prepared to resume management after departing from Bayern Munich. Consequently, De Zerbi took the lead in the hiring process.
De Zerbi’s Salary Negotiations
While discussions advanced regarding De Zerbi’s potential salary, the terms proposed by Manchester United did not meet his expectations. Ultimately, he rejected the offer, and the club chose not to revise their proposal. In June 2024, De Zerbi accepted an opportunity with Marseille, where he played a significant role in guiding the team to a second-place finish in Ligue 1.
Continuing Challenges for Manchester United
After De Zerbi’s departure, Manchester United retained Ten Hag as manager. Unfortunately, a lackluster start to the following season led to his dismissal. Ruben Amorim was appointed one year ago and encountered early struggles, culminating in a 15th place finish in the Premier League.
Despite a rocky beginning to the current season, Amorim has begun to find success. His team managed to secure five wins in seven games, propelling them to sixth in the league standings. Presently, they are tied on points with rivals Manchester City but trail Arsenal by six points.
Upcoming Match and Expectations
Manchester United is preparing for a crucial league match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. The team aims to achieve their fourth consecutive win, continuing their upward trajectory in the league.
