Speculation surrounding the managerial future of Manchester United has intensified, with reports indicating that the Premier League giants have set their sights on not just one, but two Italian tacticians to potentially replace Erik ten Hag.
As the pressure mounts on ten Hag following a string of disappointing results, including successive Premier League defeats to Fulham and Manchester City, coupled with early exits from the Champions League and the EFL Cup, rumors of a managerial shake-up at Old Trafford have gained momentum.
Among the names surfacing in the swirling sea of speculation is Thiago Motta, the current head coach of Bologna. According to reports from TEAMtalk, discussions surrounding Motta’s potential appointment have taken place internally among key figures at Manchester United, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s board members.
Motta, a 41-year-old former Italy international, has garnered acclaim for his managerial prowess, particularly for his adeptness at implementing a free-flowing and tactically astute style of football. His success in Serie A has drawn attention from clubs both domestically and internationally, making him an intriguing prospect for Manchester United.
Joining Motta on the radar of the Premier League giants is Roberto de Zerbi, another Italian manager who has caught the eye with his impressive work, most notably during his tenure at Sassuolo. De Zerbi, who is currently managing Brighton, has been linked with a potential move to Old Trafford as part of the ongoing speculation surrounding ten Hag’s future.
While names like Graham Potter, Gareth Southgate, and Thomas Frank have also been mentioned in connection with the Manchester United managerial vacancy, the prospect of adding an Italian flavor to the dugout with Motta and De Zerbi adds an intriguing twist to the narrative.
As the rumors continue to swirl and the speculation intensifies, Manchester United finds themselves at a pivotal juncture, with the decision-makers at the club weighing their options carefully as they contemplate the next phase in the club’s managerial journey. Whether it’s Motta, De Zerbi, or another candidate who ultimately takes the reins, one thing is certain: the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Old Trafford as the club navigates through this period of transition and uncertainty.