Rio Ferdinand signs Roberto De Zerbi for Manchester United (Image: Rio Ferdinand Presents)
Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to invite Roberto De Zerbi as their next permanent manager, following reports that the former Brighton manager had held private talks with the Old Trafford club. Ferdinand’s former teammate Michael Carrick was approved as interim manager on Tuesday and will remain in charge until the end of the season. The 2008 Champions League winner faces a huge task in convincing the board that he deserves a permanent position.
Nevertheless, Ferdinand believes De Zerbi is the best choice to replace Ruben Amorim long-term. De Zerbi is thought to have rejected United’s advances before accepting the Marseille job. However, Old Trafford legend Ferdinand insists De Zerbi would still be an excellent recruitment. “Right now it’s a free player. It’s not a free player, but it’s an available player. De Zerbi because Tuchel would also be one of my biggest options, even more so than a player like[Thomas]Tuchel,” he said of Rio Ferdinand Presents while discussing the possibility of a permanent appointment.
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“I tell you, no matter which formation he wants to play, he’s a proper coach who lets his players work and play,” interjected co-host Joel Beja, who suggested United “don’t want that” and warned that De Zerbi would “flip his wig” in the face of the Red Devils’ difficulties.
For years, rumors have swirled about behind-the-scenes issues at Old Trafford, from the dilapidated training facilities to the urgent need to modernize the stadium, alongside boardroom politics. De Zerbi, 46, has reportedly clashed with Marseille’s higher-ups on a number of occasions.
In April last year, the Italian expressed dissatisfaction with the club’s approach to recruiting, with claims that he could even leave the club unless further efforts were made to recruit new players.
He exerted his influence last summer by removing both Adrien Rabiot and Jonathan Lowe from the first-team squad following a dispute on the training ground. This comes after footage emerged of the youngster criticizing Ismael Kone and telling him to “call his agent” during training, shortly before joining Sassuolo, one of De Zerbi’s former clubs, on a temporary contract.
Former Brighton manager Roberto de Zerbi is now Marseille manager. (Image: Getty Images)
“I’m telling you, I’d light the party on fire,” Ferdinand continued. “I’m going to bring the fire…I’m not going to bring the madness, but I’m going to bring someone who’s going to bring that fire, that passion.
“But in reality, they are supported by someone who has proven that they can coach the life of a team. They can coach inside a team to the hilt. They can coach individuals, improve players and really change the way football is played. I really believe that you need someone who is strong in their own identity.”
At the start of the season, De Zerbi’s Marseille looked like genuine Ligue 1 title contenders, and their form at home was particularly impressive. However, Les Olympians have only won one of their last four games and have fallen to third place, eight points behind league leaders Lens.
Red Devils supporters may take heart from De Zerbi’s preference for a back-four system, which has been widely desired at Old Trafford since Amorim’s departure. However, the fiery character of Ferdinand Champion that De Zerbi is sure to bring does not necessarily match what United’s decision-makers are looking for.
