News that Xabi Alonso is unlikely to become Liverpool's new boss could impact Manchester United's manager search this summer. Ineos are overhauling the
Football structure at Old Trafford following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's confirmed minority investment in the club. A lot of work behind the scenes is happening, and that could include a focus on the manager's position. The Manchester Evening News understands Ineos have analysed potential replacements for Erik ten Hag should they decide a change of manager is required in the coming months. Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi is understood to be of interest. READ MORE: Weakness that Man United turned into a strength could decide
Champions League fate this week ALSO READ: Shock snub could fuel United star's anger and help Ten Hag Ten Hag had a strong first season at Old Trafford, where he secured Champions League qualification and won the Carabao Cup. However, he has struggled to build on that success. If the club does act, then finding a replacement won't be easy. There are no obvious candidates to come in this summer, despite links to De Zerbi, Graham Potter and Gareth Southgate. Alonso, meanwhile, is the most wanted manager of the summer and was Liverpool's favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp after he announced in January that he was stepping down at the end of the season. The former Reds midfielder has transformed Bayer Leverkusen from a relegation-threatened side into a team that currently sits 10 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table. However, according to the
Liverpool ECHO , Alonso is planning on staying at Leverkusen for at least another season. This leaves the club to move onto other candidates. The news could impact United's own manager search, given that De Zerbi also features highly in Liverpool's list. According to the bookmakers, the Italian is now one of the favourites alongside Sporting CP's Ruben Amorim. Brighton's trip to Anfield this weekend could find De Zerbi subtly auditioning for the soon-to-be-available Anfield hot seat. Even for a managerial trade that has only amounted to just 60
Premier League games, De Zerbi has already proven that he is at least deserving of a mention of the conversations that will take place between Michael Edwards and the rest of the FSG hierarchy. Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp! Our team of
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