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
Romano confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that De Zerbi’s role at Marseille has ended ‘with immediate effect’.
🚨 BREAKING: Roberto De Zerbi and Olympique Marseille part ways with immediate effect.
Decision made following direct talks & reflections between parties, as @FabriceHawkins reports.
No issues between De Zerbi, the club management and players.
De Zerbi believes it’s best… pic.twitter.com/RJwmYxkQ0L
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 10, 2026
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 managerial stats at Marseille |
| 69 games |
| 39 wins |
| 8 draws |
| 22 losses |
| 160 goals scored |
| 99 goals conceded |
| 1.81 points per game |
* 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.
Some of the names on this list are an absolute joke. Glasner, Southgate and De Zerbi have no business being Manchester United managers. What United need now are managers that have managed top players, big egos and won consistently at the top for years. Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel, Carlo Ancelotti, Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte. Michael Carrick is the only inexperienced coach I would take a chance on just because he knows the club in and out.
Don’t want de Zerbi either. Give carrick a chance or go for a bigger name!
carrick is doing a great job BUT he is not the man for the job. De Zerbi will bring back united football attack attack attack no more pussie football .mens football the football liverpool where playing for 2 seasons ago. furgie football.