Man United may have dodged bullet in Roberto De Zerbi after latest comment

Former Manchester United target Roberto De Zerbi has threatened to quit Marseille following their latest defeat. The Ligue 1 side went down 3-1 to Auxerre on Friday night, their second defeat in three matches after suffering a drab 3-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain two weeks ago.

Marseille, who had made an impressive start, have dropped off the pace in recent weeks but still sit second in the French top flight table, winning six and drawing two of their first 11 matches. Despite Mason Greenwood's penalty, Marseille were beaten against Auxerre thanks to three first-half goals.

After the game, De Zerbi, who was linked with becoming the United boss in the summer when Erik ten Hag was under pressure, did not mince his words and admitted he could resign.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim plan for Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee emerges ahead of Man United arrival

READ MORE: Matthijs de Ligt offered transfer advice to player who snubbed Man United move

"I have to take responsibility for this home defeat," the Italian said. "We have difficulties at home, that's clear. I don't know if it's a lack of courage or personality. I came here to play at the Velodrome because I wanted to live the experience. If the problem is me, I'm ready to leave.

"I'm leaving without the money, I don't care about the rest. I don't want to make excuses and talk nonsense. I'm not going to escape, we have to face reality. That's what I have to do."

Marseille could drop to as low as fourth if results don't go their way this weekend and might find themselves nine points below runaway leaders Paris Saint-Germain should Luis Enrique's side beat Angers.

"We can't talk about this second place," he added. "I have to be able to give, to transmit something. I live for things that transcend football. I repeat, if I'm the problem, I have to leave.

"Money is nothing to me. It's the gratification of the work that is important. I don't have bad things to say about my players. If I leave, I leave my heart, my soul."

United may have dodged a bullet if they wanted to appoint former Brighton boss De Zerbi as their next manager. Instead of replacing Ten Hag, United decided to sick with the Dutchman before axing him following the 2-1 defeat against West Ham last month.

They appointed Ruud van Nistelrooy as interim head coach before deciding to go with Ruben Amorim, who will take charge on Monday, as their next permanent manager.