De Zerbi's Man Utd Flirtation Fizzles: Spurs Plan B as Carrick Eyes Permanent Gig

Picture this: you're Roberto De Zerbi, fresh off a Marseille exit, eyeing up the Premier League circus again. Word on the street is, Old Trafford was your dream date, but the Red Devils gave you the cold shoulder. Instead, you're now Spurs' gaffer, and it's got everyone chuckling over your second-choice vibes.

Reports from Italy, via talkSPORT, reckon the Italian maestro 'sounded out' Manchester United before penning that juicy five-year deal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 31. The 46-year-old tactician, who dazzled at Brighton before his French adventure, got a firm 'no thanks' from United. Ouch. Makes you wonder if North London was the safety net after the big rejection.

Red Devils Shut the Door on De Zerbi

It's not the first time De Zerbi's name has danced around the Old Trafford hot seat. Back in his Marseille days, he allegedly flashed a supposed United contract to his players for a motivational masterclass. 'This is where I could've been, but passion over pounds,' he told 'em, or so the story goes – all while Erik ten Hag was sweating under pressure.

Fast forward, and talkSPORT chief football correspondent Alex Crook dropped the bombshell on White and Jordan. Chatting to Italian contacts, Crook revealed De Zerbi probed United pre-Spurs, only to be told he's not in the picture. 'Is that because they've already made their mind up without announcing it?' he pondered. Cheeky, innit?

Carrick's Stock Rockets with No Rival in Sight

This snub's music to Michael Carrick's ears. The caretaker boss has been steadying the United ship since Ruben Amorim bailed in January. Just one loss in 10 matches? That's the kind of form that screams 'give us the job proper!'

Crook nailed it: they've not chatted to other candidates even as Easter rolls around. No interviews needed for Carrick – it's him or bust, by the sounds. United sit third in the Premier League with 55 points, a solid six-point buffer over Liverpool. Champions League footy's in sight, lads – Carrick's proving decisions at the top are paying off.

Spurs' Scrap vs United's Surge

Meanwhile, De Zerbi's inherited a right mess at Tottenham. 17th place, one point above the drop zone with seven games left? That's relegation six-pointer territory, not the glamorous United rebuild he fancied. From Old Trafford dreams to White Hart Lane dogfight – talk about a plot twist.

United's calm amid the storm contrasts Spurs' panic. Carrick's got the fans purring, De Zerbi's got work to do. Will the Italian work his magic again, or is this the start of a Spurs saga? One thing's sure: transfer window whispers and sack-race odds just got spicier.

As for De Zerbi's history of mind games, it's pure box office. Passion over money? We'll see if that mantra holds when the pressure's on at Spurs. Grab your popcorn – this Premier League drama's just heating up.