Manager exit confirmed after Brighton vs Manchester United as statement made amid Erik ten Hag wait

Brighton have confirmed that Roberto De Zerbi will leave the club after the Premier League final day on Sunday. Manchester United travel to the south coast for what will now be the Italian's last match in charge.

“Roberto has given us two excellent seasons of service in which he has led the club to new heights, not least our first ever European campaign which will live long in the memory of Albion fans," said chairman Tony Bloom.

“We have mutually agreed to end Roberto’s contract at a time that suits both parties allowing us the earliest opportunity to plan for next season, and Roberto plenty of time to consider his next move and his future.

READ MORE: How Amrabat and Amad have improved Man United

READ MORE: Some United players are playing their way into the cup final XI

“I am sure our fans will give Roberto and his staff a wonderful and fully deserved send off at the Amex before, during and after tomorrow’s match.

“In the meantime, I’d like to thank Roberto and his staff for all their hard work in the past two seasons. They all leave our club on good terms and with our very best wishes for the future.”

De Zerbi had been one of the many names linked with United themselves as Erik ten Hag remains under pressure ahead of the summer. The Dutchman is fighting to keep his job ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos' club-wide review.

The Red Devils still have the chance to finish sixth in the league, though it would take a near-impossible goal difference swing as well as results for Chelsea and Newcastle to go in their favour.

Instead, Ten Hag is looking towards the FA Cup final against Manchester City next week. First he will look to see off De Zerbi and Brighton, who have been wounded following a disappointing campaign.

Having finished sixth last year following the early season departure of Graham Potter, which led to De Zerbi's appointment, Brighton have won two of their last 12 league games. They could yet finish as low as 13th in 2023/24.

“I am very sad to be leaving Brighton, but I am very proud of what my players and staff have achieved with the support of everyone at the club and our amazing fans in the past two historical seasons," said De Zerbi of his impending exit.

“We have agreed to end my time at Brighton so that the club and I can continue to work in the way that suits each of us best, following our own ideas and visions, as well as our work and human values.

“I have really enjoyed an intense and challenging two years working in the Premier League, not least competing in four major competitions this season. Leaving now provides me with time to take a break before deciding on my future plans.”

De Zerbi had been strongly linked with Liverpool before their attentions turned to Arne Slot as a replacement for Jurgen Klopp. Bayern Munich just one of the other sides that could turn to the former Sassuolo boss as they look to fill the hot seat after Thomas Tuchel confirmed he wouldn't be staying past the end of the Bundesliga season.