Top News

Jaap Stam has urged Manchester United to forget about appointing Michael Carrick as permanent manager - and give the job to Roberto De Zerbi instead.

Carrick has made a stunning start after replacing the sacked Ruben Amorim on a caretaker basis until the end of the season. United have won three games on the spin, to boost their chances of securing Champions League qualification. The clamour for Carrick to be handed the role on a full-time basis this summer is growing at a rapid rate.

But Stam has told his former club to target current Marseille manager De Zerbi instead, because he believes the Italian is a perfect fit for the English giants.

Stam won six major trophies during his time at United, including three league titles and the Treble in 1999. He said: "I like De Zerbi very much, you know, because of how he performed at Brighton and also now in Marseille.

"How he's playing with his teams, because he plays possession-based football, he's very good on the ball. He also sets the players in certain positions that it makes it really difficult for the opposition to press them.

• Marcus Rashford makes final decision on Man Utd return after Michael Carrick lifeline

• Alexander Isak sent damning message by Wayne Rooney over his Liverpool problems

FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE!Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

"You know, he's going forward, he attacks. Scores a lot of goals, sometimes concedes, but you know that as a manager.

"But I think he's also a good man-manager. I think he's also good with the players and giving them the confidence, giving them the attention they need - and not only the starting XI, but also the other players within the squad.

"And that's what you need in a big club like that. So I would be very happy if they don't go for Carrick, and that they go for him."

Dutchman Stam, meanwhile, would like to see United break the bank to land Netherlands and Barcelona superstarFrenkie de Jong this summer.

Would Roberto De Zerbi be a good appointment for Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments below

United have tried but failed to sign De Jong in the past. United have made strengthening their midfield a priority in the next transfer window, with Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson among the club's targets.

But Stam reckons De Jong should be the leading one. He added: "Yeah, Frenkie de Jong, but you probably need to bring a lot of money in.

"But he's the type of player that brings extra quality to their midfield, and to the team. And that makes it even easier for them (United) to be more dominant, I think, in possession."

To read the full interview go to https://www.olbg.com/

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us, and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.