De Zerbi Emerges as Target for Both Spurs and United Following Frank's Exit

The managerial merry-go-round has claimed another victim, with Tottenham pulling the trigger on Thomas Frank following a run of form that would make even the most patient chairman's eye twitch.

Frank's tenure ended on Wednesday morning after the Lilywhites suffered a 2-1 reversal at Newcastle the previous evening, extending their winless streak in the Premier League to eight matches. That dismal sequence represents just a solitary victory across their last eleven top-flight outings, leaving Spurs languishing in 16th place after 26 fixtures.

In an official statement, the club acknowledged the decision to part company with Frank, who had only taken the reins in June 2025. "Thomas was appointed in June 2025, and we have been determined to give him the time and support needed to build for the future together," the statement read. "However, results and performances have led the Board to conclude that a change at this point in the season is necessary."

The club praised Frank's professionalism during his stint, wishing him well for the future.

What's particularly intriguing about this development is the timing. On the very same day that Spurs wielded the axe, Marseille made their own managerial switch, dispensing with Roberto de Zerbi following a catastrophic 5-0 hammering at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain over the weekend. That defeat left Les Olympiens languishing 12 points adrift of the Ligue 1 summit.

De Zerbi's sudden availability has set tongues wagging across the Channel. The 46-year-old Italian, who built considerable stock during his Brighton tenure, is understood to be keen on a return to English football. That prospect has not gone unnoticed by the Old Trafford hierarchy, with the former Marseille boss expected to feature prominently in Manchester United's managerial considerations alongside names such as Mauricio Pochettino, Oliver Glasner, Thomas Tuchel and Gareth Southgate.

Yet there's a twist in the tale: Spurs have also cast an admiring eye toward De Zerbi as they hunt for Frank's replacement.

Spanish outlets suggest De Zerbi currently tops the betting for the United position come summer, with Old Trafford reportedly his likely destination. This assessment carries weight given the glowing endorsement from an unlikely source – former United stalwart Jaap Stam.

"I like De Zerbi very much," Stam recently reflected. "How he performed at Brighton and also now in Marseille shows real quality. He plays possession-based football, he's very good on the ball. He also sets the players in certain positions that make it really difficult for the opposition to press them. He goes forward, attacks, scores a lot of goals – sometimes concedes too, but that's football."

Stam's analysis didn't stop there. "I think he's also a good man-manager," he continued. "He's good with the players, giving them the confidence and attention they need – and not just the starting XI, but the entire squad. That's what you need in a big club."

Whether De Zerbi ends up at United, Tottenham, or elsewhere remains to be seen, but one thing's certain: his dance card has suddenly become rather full.