Report: Why De Zerbi Picked Marseille Over Man Utd | OneFootball

Roberto De Zerbi’s Passionate Choice Over Man Utd: A Missed Opportunity?

In the world of high-stakes football management, few decisions are as personal as choosing one club over another. For Roberto De Zerbi, the choice was between Manchester United and Marseille, and in a move that caught many off guard, he opted for the latter. According to L’ÉQUIPE, De Zerbi used an overhead projector in the Marseille dressing room to illustrate a contract offer from Manchester United – with details of his prospective earnings blurred. It was a dramatic statement to his players, capped with the words: “This is where I could have been, but I put my passion before money. I came to Marseille for the passion.”

Passion Over Prestige

For many, De Zerbi’s decision is baffling, particularly when you consider the weight of the Manchester United brand. Yet his reasoning sheds light on a more personal, less commercial, side of the game. While United’s allure was clear, De Zerbi wanted to build something meaningful in Marseille. He explained, “This is where I could have been, but I put my passion before money.” This choice isn’t without risks, especially given the challenges he faces in Ligue 1. Currently, Marseille sits fourth after a disappointing 3-1 loss to Auxerre, a performance that prompted an impassioned response from De Zerbi: “You humiliated me, you humiliated our club in front of our fans.”

Photo IMAGO

As he scolded his players, his frustration wasn’t just about the loss but also a reflection of his belief in Marseille’s potential. For De Zerbi, every game represents an opportunity to build a legacy. Opting for Marseille over Manchester United may seem unconventional, but for De Zerbi, it’s a testament to his loyalty to clubs that align with his values.

United’s Managerial Struggles

De Zerbi’s candid revelation underscores the internal debates Manchester United faced over Erik ten Hag’s tenure. The Red Devils had reportedly identified several high-profile managerial candidates, including De Zerbi, Thomas Tuchel, and Mauricio Pochettino, as potential replacements over the summer. But after negotiations fell through, United ultimately retained Ten Hag, only for him to be sacked later.

This summer’s failed attempts to secure a replacement left United in a precarious position, which only grew more complex after they clinched the FA Cup. An anonymous source mentioned to TEAMtalk that the Cup win left United “both delighted and concerned” as it complicated their decision to sack Ten Hag. Now, with Ruben Amorim set to take charge, he inherits a team languishing in 13th place, faced with the monumental task of revitalising a struggling United squad.

Photo: IMAGO

United’s Recruitment Conundrum

The managerial shake-up has had consequences beyond the coaching staff, spilling over into recruitment. Amidst the upheaval, Manchester United remain focused on bolstering their ranks with young talent. Their latest target? Sverre Nypan, a Norwegian prodigy touted as “the next Martin Odegaard.” According to reports, United’s recruitment team sees Nypan as a potential fit for Amorim’s tactical approach and has been keeping a close watch on the 17-year-old, who has already racked up over 50 appearances for Rosenborg.

Photo: IMAGO

While the decision to pursue Nypan reflects United’s long-term vision, it’s also a risky move. Other clubs are reportedly circling, increasing the urgency for United to act decisively. For Amorim, building a cohesive squad amidst a backdrop of uncertainty will be a test of his managerial prowess and adaptability.

What Could Have Been

De Zerbi’s passionate explanation for choosing Marseille over Manchester United offers a fascinating insight into a coach’s priorities. In an era where managerial moves are often driven by financial incentives, his decision is a reminder of the more profound, intangible elements that can influence these choices. His words, “I put my passion before money,” resonate with fans who view the game as something greater than a mere career ladder.

Whether De Zerbi’s decision will prove wise remains to be seen. While he faces challenges in Ligue 1, the opportunity to build something meaningful at Marseille aligns with his ethos, one that prioritises passion over prestige. For Manchester United, the managerial carousel continues, and the club can only wonder what could have been if De Zerbi had taken his talents to Old Trafford.

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Turning down United for Marseille seems unfathomable, especially when Old Trafford is a dream destination for so many in football. The allure of United, the history, and the potential to restore the club to its former glory would be an irresistible pull for most managers. Yet, for De Zerbi, the glamour wasn’t enough; he chose passion over the prestige of the Premier League.

De Zerbi’s decision raises questions about the culture at United right now. Are they in such a state that talented managers would rather go elsewhere? It’s disappointing but also somewhat understandable. In recent years, the club has been plagued by instability, short-termism, and what feels like endless managerial changes. It’s easy to see why a manager looking to build a legacy might hesitate.

Seeing Amorim step in now is somewhat encouraging for suporters, but there’s a lingering sense that they missed out. De Zerbi’s passion and his desire to build something meaningful might have been exactly that United needed.