Fabrizio Romano confirms De Zerbi exit as Manchester United manager race takes fresh twist

Reported Manchester United managerial target Roberto De Zerbi has ‘parted ways’ with Marseille, says Fabrizio Romano.

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The ex-Brighton head coach was thought to be one of several names on United’s long managerial list, and could yet resurface as the Red Devils consider their long term options beyond Michael Carrick.

The Italian leaves the Ligue 1 outfit fourth in the French top-flight table, 12 points off top-placed PSG.

Roberto De Zerbi opens the door to Manchester United opportunity

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Romano confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that De Zerbi’s role at Marseille has ended ‘with immediate effect’.

Roberto De Zerbi had been heavily linked with the Manchester United job prior to his move to France. He allegedly demonstrated his commitment to the cause at Marseille by showing his new squad evidence of a contract offer from the Red Devils.

* Roberto De Zerbi’s (all-time) stats across all competitions at Marseille (Transfermarkt)

With the 46-year-old now out of employment, however, might a fresh opportunity arise at the end of the 2025/26 season?

It still remains to be seen whether Michael Carrick’s strong performance at the helm will see decision-makers at Carrington reward him with a long-term contract.

Who could take over as the next Manchester United coach?

Carrick remains the bookies’ favourite (Oddschecker) to be the Manchester United manager on the first day of the 2026/27 season:

• Michael Carrick (5/6)
• Oliver Glasner (8/1)
• Thomas Tuchel (12/1)
• Gareth Southgate (16/1)
• Luis Enrique (20/1)
• Julian Nagelsmann (20/1)
• Roberto De Zerbi (25/1)

It’s interesting to see De Zerbi so low down in the pecking order. Though perhaps his odds will undergo a sharp transformation following news of his departure from Marseille ahead of the summer.

You can forgive the bookies for leaving Michael Carrick at the top following a tremendous start to life at Old Trafford.

If the former Middlesbrough boss manages to steer United back into the Champions League spots ahead of reigning Premier League champions Liverpool – does that not deserve some form of recognition?

But, of course, can Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co. really overlook the tantalising possibility of De Zerbi-ball on the red half of Manchester? Can they overlook world-class candidates like Thomas Tuchel, potentially on the market after England’s upcoming World Cup campaign?

Food for thought, at the very least.