Manchester United rejected De Zerbi approach before Italian settled for Tottenham job

Roberto De Zerbi approached Manchester United about their vacant managerial position before accepting Tottenham's offer, only to be told he wasn't in the reckoning as the Red Devils appear committed to Michael Carrick.

The revelation exposes the contrasting trajectories of two Premier League giants. United sit third in the table under Carrick's caretaker stewardship, while Tottenham languish in 17th place, just one point above the relegation zone despite making De Zerbi the third-highest paid manager in the division.

United's Carrick gamble paying off as De Zerbi rejection proves shrewd

Manchester United's decision to rebuff De Zerbi's advances looks increasingly vindicated with each passing week. Since taking charge in January following Ruben Amorim's dismissal, Carrick has transformed the Red Devils' fortunes.

The numbers behind Carrick's impact

The statistics paint a compelling picture of United's revival under their former midfielder:

• One defeat in 10 matches since January appointment
• Currently third in the Premier League on 55 points
• Six points clear of fifth-placed Liverpool
• On course for Champions League qualification with seven games remaining

Speaking on talkSPORT's White and Jordan, chief football correspondent Alex Crook revealed the extent of United's confidence in Carrick.

We've got to Easter Weekend and they've not spoken – as I understand – to any other candidates. That's not to say Carrick has been interviewed for the job. I don't think they'll need to interview him. I think they either give it to him or they don't.

Why United passed on De Zerbi

The Italian's approach to United came after his February departure from Marseille, where he had lasted just six months. Crook confirmed that De Zerbi "sounded out Manchester United and was told he wasn't in the reckoning there."

This wasn't De Zerbi's first link with Old Trafford. In November 2024, reports emerged that he had received a contract offer from United whilst at Marseille, which he allegedly displayed to his players during a team talk, declaring: "This is where I could have been, but I put my passion before my money."

Tottenham's expensive desperation: Third-highest salary for second-choice manager

While United showed patience and faith in their internal solution, Tottenham's appointment of De Zerbi reeks of expensive desperation. The North London club announced the Italian on March 31 on a bumper five-year deal.

The cost of panic

Tottenham's financial commitment to De Zerbi reveals the extent of their desperation:

• De Zerbi's salary ranks third-highest among Premier League managers
• Only Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta earn more
• This despite Tottenham sitting 17th in the table
• The club are just one point above the relegation zone

De Zerbi's appointment came after Tottenham sacked Igor Tudor following just seven games in charge as interim manager. The rapid turnover highlights the chaos engulfing the club this season.

A manager who wanted to be elsewhere

Perhaps most damning for Tottenham is that they've committed significant resources to a manager who demonstrably wanted to be at their rivals. De Zerbi only turned to Spurs after being rejected by United, making him an expensive second choice.

The Italian's track record also raises questions. He left Marseille in February after just six months, and his previous Premier League stint at Brighton, while initially promising, ended with the club's form tailing off significantly in his second season.

What De Zerbi's snub reveals about both clubs' trajectories

The De Zerbi saga perfectly encapsulates the divergent paths of these two historic clubs. United's rejection of a high-profile foreign coach in favour of continuity with Carrick demonstrates newfound stability and clear thinking at board level.

United's patient rebuild bearing fruit

After years of expensive managerial appointments that failed to deliver, United's approach with Carrick represents a significant shift in philosophy. The club sacked Erik ten Hag in October 2024 and his replacement Ruben Amorim in January, but rather than rushing into another big-name appointment, they've allowed Carrick to prove himself.

The results speak for themselves. United are not just winning matches but doing so with a clear identity and style that has reconnected the team with supporters.

Tottenham's cycle of self-destruction

Conversely, Tottenham's season has been characterised by poor decisions compounding earlier mistakes. The Tudor appointment and rapid dismissal exemplified their lack of planning, and now they've responded by throwing money at a manager who views them as a consolation prize.

De Zerbi faces an immediate firefight with Tottenham perilously close to the relegation zone. The pressure will be immense from day one, with no honeymoon period afforded given the salary and circumstances of his appointment.

What happens next

For Manchester United, the coming weeks could see Carrick's position formalised. With seven games remaining and Champions League qualification within reach, the club appears content to let results dictate the timeline rather than rushing into announcements.

At Tottenham, De Zerbi must quickly arrest the slide towards relegation. His first matches will be crucial in determining whether Spurs' expensive gamble pays off or becomes another costly mistake in a season full of them. The Italian's ability to motivate a squad that knows they were his second choice will be immediately tested.