Roberto De Zerbi shows Marseille players a contract offer from Manchester United

Roberto De Zerbi reportedly told his Marseille players that he rejected an offer from Manchester United to move to the Ligue 1 club.

Former Brighton boss De Zerbi was one of the hottest managerial properties in the Premier League before his exit at the end of last season.

The Italian was tipped as a potential candidate to succeed Erik ten Hag before the Dutchman was handed a contract extension in July.

Although Ten Hag won the FA Cup in May, his second trophy in as many seasons, United decided to sack Ten Hag less than six months after giving him an extension.

The newspapers in France this morning want to paint a picture of United to say Ruben Amorim was not their initial preferred choice to become head coach.

According to L’Equipe, De Zerbi used a projector to show his Marseille players a copy of the contract he had been offered by united.

De Zerbi allegedly told his Marseille players: “This is where I could have been, but I put my passion before money. I came to Marseille for the passion.”

He is said to have said this to his players before their first game of the season, which they won 5-1 against Stade Brest.

Roberto De Zerbi threatens to leave Marseille

Marseille were humbled on Friday night when they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Auxerre.

After the match, De Zerbi made reference to money again as it’s clearly something on his mind.

“If I’m the problem, I’m ready to leave,” De Zerbi told reporters on Friday night. “I’ll leave without the money, I don’t care about all the rest.”

Marseille are currently third in Ligue 1 – nine points behind leaders Paris Saint-Germain – with 20 points from 11 matches. Mason Greenwood is their leading scorer with eight goals.

De Zerbi is under contract with Marseille under June 2027. He has previously managed Darfo Boario, Foggia, Palermo, Benevento, Sassuolo, Shakhtar Donetsk and Brighton.