Man Utd Dodge De Zerbi Bullet Over Greenwood Row as Giggs Champions Carrick for the Long Haul
Manchester United rejected Roberto De Zerbi's advances due to his controversial defence of Mason Greenwood, opting instead to back Michael Carrick's impressive interim stint. Ryan Giggs has urged the club to make Carrick permanent after his side's resurgence towards Champions League spots. Fan groups criticised De Zerbi's Tottenham appointment amid ongoing backlash.
Man Utd's Managerial Maze: Snubs, Success and Calls for Carrick
Forget the Easter eggs – the real chocolate-box assortment this weekend is Manchester United's head coach saga. With Michael Carrick turning water into wine at Old Trafford, whispers of other candidates are doing the rounds. But one Italian suitor got the cold shoulder, and it's got everyone chatting.
De Zerbi's Door Slammed Shut at Old Trafford
Roberto De Zerbi, fresh off inking a whopping five-year deal with Tottenham, apparently tested the waters at United before Spurs snapped him up. Why the rebuff? It boils down to his eyebrow-raising defence of Mason Greenwood back in summer 2024.
Greenwood, the ex-United academy star charged with serious offences in 2022 (later dropped), shone at Marseille after a £26.6m move. De Zerbi called him a "good guy" who'd "paid a heavy price", framing him as the victim. Cue backlash from fans' groups like Women of the Lane and Proud Lilywhites, who slammed his judgement as a red flag for leadership.
United, scarred from their Greenwood PR nightmare – loaning him to Getafe then selling – weren't biting. As transfer insider Alex Crook revealed on talkSPORT, INEOS bosses gave De Zerbi short shrift. "He sounded out Manchester United and was told he wasn’t in the reckoning," Crook dished. Smart move? The pub consensus says yes – no repeat disasters on the horizon.
De Zerbi's half-apology in his first Spurs interview didn't quite cut it. Speaking Italian, he insisted he's no apologist for violence, citing his daughter and lifelong stance for the vulnerable. Still, the damage lingers, with fans questioning if Spurs have backed the wrong horse.
Carrick's Red Devils Revival Steals the Show
Meanwhile, caretaker boss Michael Carrick is living the dream. Sacked Ruben Amorim at New Year? Check. Interim Darren Fletcher? Brief pitstop. Now Carrick's hauled 23 points from 30 in the Prem, with seven wins, two draws and one loss in 10 games.
The 44-year-old ex-midfielder has morale soaring, fans flocking back optimistic, and United eyeing Champions League spots. Post-Ireland camp, they're gunning for win number eight from 11. Harry Maguire's already waved the flag, but now United legend Ryan Giggs has piled in.
Chatting to Webby and O’Neil, Giggs nailed it: "The hardest thing is winning games, and he’s doing that – we’ve lost one. The feeling around the place? Fans think we’ve got a massive chance." Looking up, not down – that's the vibe. INEOS yet to confirm, but pressure's mounting to make it permanent. Carrick or bust?
What's Next for United's Hot Seat?
No interviews needed, says Crook – it's Carrick or a punt elsewhere. With Easter vibes and a quiz tease floating around (name every Prem one-season wonder? Pass the pint), United fans are buzzing. De Zerbi's Spurs gamble highlights United's caution post-INEOS tweaks.
Blokes reckon Carrick's the safe bet – homegrown, proven, no baggage. Giggs echoes it: appoint boldly. As United chase City and co., the board's call could define the season. Stay tuned, Reds – this plot's thicker than gravy on a Sunday roast.