Liverpool legend Graeme Souness is not convinced that a Manchester United-linked manager is ready to manage at an elite European club, despite potentially being a “very cheap” option.
Erik ten Hag’s long-term future at Manchester United remains shrouded in uncertainty after Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe secured a minority stake in the club.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has taken control of football operations at the Red Devils, with the British billionaire keen to restore United’s prestige in English football.
United have already seen changes behind the scenes since Ratcliffe’s arrival, including Omar Berrada being appointed as chief executive at the club.
Erik ten Hag, who arrived from Ajax in 2022, has endured a tough second season with United and the Dutchman could be fighting for his role at the club.
United are facing an uphill battle in the race for the Premier League top four and have a tough test against Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday.
Ten Hag could face mounting pressure if United fail to secure Champions League football or fail to secure any major silverware in their disappointing season so far.
Roberto De Zerbi linked with Man Utd
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi has emerged as a potential candidate for the Manchester United head coach role if Erik ten Hag is axed from the club.
Roberto De Zerbi has impressed in his managerial spell with Brighton after he replaced former Chelsea boss Graham Potter in 2022.
The 44-year-old Italian has also been heavily linked with United’s rivals Liverpool, with current Reds boss Jurgen Klopp set to leave Anfield in the summer.
Graham Potter has also been tipped as a candidate for United, while Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has once again been linked with the Red Devils.
De Zerbi is under contract with Brighton until 2026 and United could be forced to pay out a fee of £12m if they want to bring the Seagulls boss to Old Trafford.
Graeme Souness on De Zerbi
Speaking in his column for The Daily Mail, Graeme Souness admitted that the £12m fee for Roberto De Zerbi could be “very cheap” if he delivers success at a top club.
But the ex-Sky Sports pundit is unsure if De Zerbi is ready for a big club and insisted that the demands on him would “certainly change” if he managed an elite side.
“It will cost clubs around £12million to get Roberto de Zerbi out of Brighton this summer,” Souness wrote for the newspaper.
“Is he worth it? Well, £12m is nothing these days in Premier League terms and, if he brings success, it could prove very cheap.
“Brighton finished ninth under Graham Potter and De Zerbi took them to sixth last season. They are currently ninth.
“Does that deserve a move to one of our elite clubs? If Brighton stay where they are, you’d argue he only deserves a pat on the back.
“But suitors will recognise he knows Premier League football now so, unlike some foreign managers, he won’t be surprised by what is in front of him.
“The demands on him though will certainly change.”