Not Glasner: Man Utd now identify two candidates for manager role

Manchester United have earmarked Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Tuchel as the leading candidates for the permanent head coach role next summer, according to iNews.

The Red Devils recently parted ways with Ruben Amorim following a string of inconsistent results. The Portuguese’s departure was partly influenced by a fallout with the hierarchy.

Michael Carrick has been placed on temporary charge until the summer.

iNews have now revealed that De Zerbi and Tuchel are the frontrunners for the managerial vacancy, and Oliver Glasner is no longer a strong candidate for the position at United.

Glasner confirmed today that he will leave Crystal Palace upon the expiration of his contract on June 30.

This quickly spread speculation that he could get the United job, given his 3-4-2-1 playing style would suit the makeup of the squad, which played under the same formation under Amorim.

However, that is not the case. A recent run of nine games without a win in all competitions has seen his stock fall. Palace recently suffered a shock FA Cup third-round exit at the hands of sixth-tier Macclesfield.

Instead of Glasner, United are focusing on De Zerbi, who likes to play an attacking brand of football. The Italian guided Marseille to a runner-up finish to Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 last season.

England manager Tuchel is also on their radar. The former Chelsea boss has experience working with directors of football. He could be open to a return to club management after the World Cup.

United have big decision to make on next permanent manager

iNews claim that De Zerbi and Tuchel are the front-runners for the vacancy, but we doubt the former will be considered, given his preferred tactical formation over the years.

De Zerbi has opted for a 3-4-3 set-up during his time at Marseille and previously at Brighton & Hove Albion. United seem keen to move away from the system going forward.

United’s director of football Jason Wilcox was not entirely pleased with Amorim’s decision to stick with a 3-4-2-1 system. He wanted Amorim to shift to a traditional 4-2-3-1 set-up, which he was reluctant to do.

Keeping that in mind, De Zerbi could be out of contention as he likes to stick with his principles too.

Tuchel could be a solution for the Red Devils, given he has lined up England in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. Their progress at the World Cup could be a deciding factor for United too.

The German tactician had great success with three trophies at Chelsea in England and could be tempted to take the managerial hot seat at United after the World Cup in North America.

The Red Devils will surely shortlist more candidates heading into the summer. They have a big decision to make over the next manager and can’t afford to get it wrong this time around.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .