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Former Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi admitted he would not be opposed to a return to the Premier League after leaving the Seagulls on Sunday.
Linked with the Red Devils as a potential successor to Erik ten Hag, De Zerbi appeared in his final match as Brighton manager against none other than ten Hag.
Despite looking desperate at times, United surprised the home team by beating them 2-0 and ended a difficult season in the Premier League on a positive note.
However, even with a recent improvement in form and the FA Cup final still upon us, many United fans have grown disillusioned with Ten Hag’s methods, and calls for him to be replaced have intensified as the season has progressed.
Ten Hag sparked a rallying cry after United’s 3-2 win over Newcastle last week, publicly addressing the crowd at Old Trafford as is customary during the final home game of the season.
While he was able to keep his promise to earn three points at Brighton, it remains to be seen whether the same can be done against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on May 25.
Even if United pull off an incredible win, there are serious doubts about Ten Haag’s position at INEOS in the search for a rightful successor.
Given his impressive performance at Brighton last season, De Zerbi has been named as one of the favorites to replace Ten Hag at Old Trafford should the Dutch manager leave his role at the club.
While they finished 11th this season after a disappointing run of form, Brighton rose to sixth last season, securing a place in this season’s Europa League, where they made it to the round of 16.
It now appears that there is a possibility that the Italian manager could manage United in the future.
Speaking to the BBC, De Zerbi admitted that he currently has no other job and revealed that he would like to continue working in England.
“I hope to work in the Premier League again,” De Zerbi admitted. “I don’t know where or when. But it was an honor to work in the Premier League.”
United fans who have lost faith in Ten Haga may see this statement as a sign of hope that the 44-year-old could become his successor.
Regardless of the future, Ten Hag will no doubt be looking for a surprise win in the FA Cup final, handing United their second trophy in as many seasons.
With both of those wins coming under Ten Hag, the Dutch manager may yet be able to convince Sir Jim Ratcliffe that he is worth keeping for at least another year.
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