Roberto De Zerbi was snubbed by Big Six rival before finally accepting Tottenham job

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Journalist Alex Crook has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur was not Roberto De Zerbi’s preferred destination this season.

De Zerbi has signed a five-year contract with Tottenham, and he has a big responsibility on his shoulders as he first attempts to keep the Lilywhites in the division, before taking them back up the table next season.

It is not an easy challenge, given that Spurs have not won a single Premier League match since the start of 2026.

However, the challenge has not scared the Italian, with De Zerbi’s contract at Tottenham reportedly containing no relegation break clause.

Roberto De Zerbi was snubbed by Man United before he accepted Tottenham job

The new Spurs boss has made a big commitment to the North London club, with De Zerbi making it clear that he will stay at Tottenham next season, even if they are relegated.

According to journalist Alex Crook, before accepting the Spurs job, the former Brighton boss expressed a desire to join Man United, but the Red Devils informed him that he was not under consideration for the role.

Crook told talkSPORT about the Red Devils’ managerial search: “Do you know what I find interesting about Michael Carrick. We’ve got to Easter Weekend, and they’ve not spoken – as I understand – to any other candidates. That’s not to say Carrick has been interviewed for the job. I don’t think they’ll need to interview him. I think they either give it to him or they don’t.

“Speaking to people in Italy this morning… They were telling me that Roberto De Zerbi – before taking the Tottenham job — sounded out Manchester United and was told he wasn’t in the reckoning there. Is that because they have already made their mind up without making it public?”

De Zerbi has made a strong impression on the Spurs squad

According to reports, some of Tottenham’s Premier League rivals are surprised that Spurs have turned to De Zerbi in the middle of a relegation battle.

However, according to Football.London, many Spurs players have raved about De Zerbi to their friends after the first few training sessions under the Italian.

One unnamed Tottenham star reportedly described the sessions as ‘outstanding’ after the 46-year-old chose to place emphasis on quick passing and beating the opposition press in his first few days at Hotspur Way.