Man Utd told cost of Roberto De Zerbi appointment as Brighton boss confirms future plans

Another bad run has left Erik ten Hag’s future with Manchester United up in the air.

The manager of Brighton, Roberto De Zerbi, is reportedly being linked to Manchester United and could fetch a hefty compensation fee as a result.

Since his September 2022 transfer from Sassuolo to Brighton, De Zerbi has been the subject of intense interest. With some of the most thrilling and tactically-advanced football the nation saw last season, the Italian guided his team to sixth place in the Premier League, achieving a first-ever European finish.

Liverpool and Barcelona, for example, are still looking for a new manager for the summer despite their inconsistent season-long performance. The Mirror claims that a deal for De Zerbi could cost £12.8 million, and United may follow suit as rumors about Erik ten Hag’s future heat up.

Due to the 44-year-old’s contract with the AMEX, which runs until 2026, an early departure would have to be advantageous to Brighton, who have earned a reputation as tough negotiators. Chelsea sent Graham Potter, who was previously with De Zerbi, £21.5 million, and they frequently reap tens of millions of pounds from player trades.

Although being linked with top clubs in Europe is a “honor,” De Zerbi recently stated that he was content with his current situation at Brighton, where they are ninth in the Premier League. The Seagulls will play Serie A powerhouse Roma in Thursday’s Europa League last-16 match. Earlier this week, the Seagulls manager expressed a desire to return to his home country.

“I am doing what makes me happy and I am happy where I am right now,” he told reporters. Both our victories and our losses bring me joy. I am uncertain of the exact date of my return to Italy, but it will happen one day.

At the conclusion of the season, when United’s final Premier League finish is determined, Ten Hag’s future is likely to become more apparent. Despite the implausibility of both goals, new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly demanding FA Cup glory and Champions League qualification for next season.

After losing to Fulham and Manchester City in a row, United dropped to fourth place in the league, eleven points behind Aston Villa, and six points behind Tottenham. They will play Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinals later this month. Next up, they’ll host Everton and Sheffield United, two teams fighting for relegation.