'Many admirers' - Manchester United manager candidate 'in talks' over rival role
Man Utd will look to appoint a new permanent head coach at the end of the season.
Michael Carrick could be set for another boost in his hopes of landing the Manchester United job permanently this summer.
United are on the hunt for a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim and might only have a limited pool of suitable candidates to choose from at the end of the season. Michael Carrick was given the job until the end of the campaign while United began their search for a long-term option to lead the club.
Roberto De Zerbi is one name who has featured on initial shortlists for the head coach role, though he might soon become unavailable amid serious interest from Tottenham Hotspur. It is understood the North London club are in talks over a possible appointment, which would further limit the number of candidates for the Old Trafford role.
De Zerbi admired by Manchester United
Manchester United could miss out on the possible appointment of Roberto De Zerbi if he ends up taking the Tottenham Hotspur job instead.
The 46-year-old is in talks over a potential Premier League return, though it is understood he would prefer to take the job at the end of the season, rather than begin his reign in a relegation battle. Spurs are just one point ahead of the relegation zone with just seven matches left of the campaign, so De Zerbi would like the guarantee of top-flight football during his debut season.
Tottenham hope to reach an agreement by offering the former Marseille and Brighton boss a lucrative long-term contract, though he is still on the radar of several clubs. Earlier this month, The Telegraph reiterated De Zerbi had been of interest to United and was keen on moving to Old Trafford if offered the job.
It is also understood De Zerbi is highly rated among senior United officials, as well as those at Spurs and Man City, due to his positive attacking football and his desire to dominate the ball. United have always had a preference to hire a head coach with Premier League experience, though there are few suitable candidates who fit that criteria available.
Michael Carrick could be a winner if Tottenham hire De Zerbi, given there would be one less rival for the permanent United role this summer.