Former Liverpool manager Arne Slot could reportedly be tempted to take charge of Tottenham Hotspur if the club decides to replace Roberto De Zerbi.
However, a move to Manchester United is considered effectively off the table because of the rivalry between the Red Devils and Slot’s former club Liverpool.
ESPN football analyst Tor-Kristian Karlsen has identified Tottenham as the best Premier League fit for the unemployed Dutchman.
There is currently no vacancy at either club and no indication that Tottenham have approached Slot. The assessment comes as pressure increases on De Zerbi and United manager Michael Carrick following poor starts to the season.
Slot previously considered for Tottenham job
Slot was a serious contender to become Tottenham manager in 2023 following the departure of Antonio Conte.
The then-Feyenoord manager eventually decided to remain in the Netherlands, with Spurs subsequently appointing Ange Postecoglou.
Slot joined Liverpool one year later and immediately led the club to the Premier League title during his first season at Anfield.
His second campaign proved far more difficult, with Liverpool finishing fifth and failing to win a trophy. The club dismissed him in May and appointed Andoni Iraola as his successor.
Despite that disappointing title defence, Slot remains highly regarded for his work at both Feyenoord and Liverpool.
According to Karlsen, the Dutchman could be open to Tottenham’s approach under the club’s current ownership and leadership structure.
Why Slot could suit Tottenham
Slot’s strongest teams are built around controlled possession, aggressive pressing and quick attacking football.
There are similarities between his methods and De Zerbi’s approach, particularly when building possession through the centre-backs and deep-lying midfielders.
However, Slot would likely make changes to the distances and spacing between Tottenham’s players, while demanding more coordinated work without the ball.
New midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes could potentially provide the technical ability and energy required to control matches from deep.
Slot also places significant importance on the number 10 position. Dominik Szoboszlai performed that role successfully during the manager’s first season at Liverpool.
At Tottenham, James Maddison, Xavi Simons and Dejan Kulusevski would be among the players competing to occupy the creative role behind the attack.
Karlsen believes Tottenham possess enough pace, energy and squad depth for Slot to implement his tactical ideas.
Liverpool rivalry blocks Man Utd move
Slot could also appear to be a credible candidate for Manchester United based on his Premier League experience and title-winning record.
However, ESPN’s assessment is that his Liverpool history would make an appointment at Old Trafford extremely unlikely.
Managers have crossed the rivalry in the distant past, most notably Matt Busby, who played for Liverpool before building his managerial legacy at United. In the modern era, though, appointing a recent Liverpool title winner would prove controversial.
Carrick and De Zerbi remain in their respective positions ahead of Saturday’s meeting between United and Tottenham at Old Trafford.
United are 12th in the Premier League with five points from five matches, while winless Tottenham sit bottom with two points.
Neither club has confirmed plans to make a managerial change. But if results do not improve, Slot’s name could become increasingly prominent at Tottenham rather than Manchester United.
