Mark Lawrenson believes Roberto De Zerbi should succeed Erik ten Hag if the Dutchman is sacked by Manchester United at the end of the season.

There has been constant speculation about the current manager’s future ever since INEOS took up a minority stake in the club. The likes of England boss Gareth Southgate and former Chelsea head coach Graham Potter have also been mentioned as potential candidates. However, speaking to Paddy Power, Lawrenson said De Zerbi would be “a good fit” for the Red Devils:

“The noise around Gareth Southgate coming to Manchester United this summer seems to be getting louder and louder, and to be honest, you look around and think who else would you give it to.”

“For me, Roberto De Zerbi might be a good fit for Manchester United. They may also be looking at Graham Potter but his time at Chelsea wouldn’t be helping him in this instance. Also, I don’t think he’s got a good enough personality for the job at United, whereas De Zerbi has.”

Ten Hag’s future at United

Supporters are very much split on whether the current manager should remain in charge. It has been a very disappointing second season in charge, crashing out of the Champions League at the group stage, and sitting sixth in the Premier League table.

There are some, though, that feel ten Hag is being unfairly criticised, with the club having reached the final of the FA Cup despite the first-team squad being decimated by injuries.

Is De Zerbi among the favourites for the job?

The 44-year-old is currently fourth in the running at most bookmakers behind the likes of Southgate, Potter and current Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel.

De Zerbi has also been heavily linked with replacing Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea, so the Italian could be in high demand this summer.