Pressure mounts on Erik ten Hag as Roberto De Zerbi emerges as potential replacement at Manchester United

The pressure is piling on Erik ten Hag at Manchester United following a series of underwhelming performances this season. The new ownership is looking to take the Red Devils to distinguished heights and Erik ten Hag might be walking on thin ice as we head into the off-season.

Manchester United icon Paul Scholes believes that INEOS have already decided regarding the Dutch manager’s future away from Old Trafford.

One of the potential managerial options if Erik ten Hag is to be sacked would be Brighton’s head coach Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian has been praised by many for the work he has done at Brighton.

Manchester City’s manager Pep Guardiola believes that the 44-year-old is destined to manage a big club in the future.

“I’m sure Roberto can train in any team,” Guardiola speaking about Roberto de Zerbi earlier in the season.

“I don’t have any doubt. He can train Brighton and all the teams around the world. They are top, I was appointed as Barcelona’s first team coach from the fourth division with no experience. Doesn’t mean you have to be at top clubs to be manager of top clubs.”

If Manchester United or any other club wants to sign Roberto De Zerbi, they will have to pay Brighton a compensation expected to be more than £12 million to secure the Italian’s services in the summer.

Roberto de Zerbi has a deal at the Amex Stadium until 2026 and has made a massive impact at Brighton since his arrival. United’s co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is yet to back Erik Ten Hag publicly and the pharmaceutical billionaire has an established connection with Roberto de Zerbi. He hired De Zerbi’s former assistant coach as manager at OGC Nice in Francesco Farioli.

De Zerbi’s job at Brighton hasn’t gone unnoticed. Taking over from Graham Potter, he took the English club to the next level. Right now, the form might be going South but it doesn’t stop the Seagulls from playing exciting football.

More Manchester United News-

• Manchester United to compete with Liverpool for English centre-back
• Sir Jim Ratcliffe willing to ‘sacrifice’ Nice control to help Manchester United’s Champions League ambitions
• Manchester United and PSG prepare offers for French forward playing in Germany

Alongside United, Liverpool and Barcelona will also be interested in his services. It is to be seen whether we see an ETH United post-summer or a managerial change in the off-season.