Tottenham Hotspur manager Roberto De Zerbi is reportedly facing increasing pressure ahead of his side’s crucial Premier League showdown with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Former England striker Alan Shearer has warned that De Zerbi’s position could be in serious danger if Spurs suffer a heavy defeat against their struggling rivals this weekend.
💥 SPURS’ POOR START RAISES CONCERNS
Despite Tottenham investing more than £300 million in new players during the summer transfer window, the club have struggled badly at the beginning of the 2026/27 campaign.
Spurs have managed just two goals in their first five Premier League matches and currently sit at the bottom of the table.
The club brought in several players, including midfielders Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes, hoping to address the weaknesses that affected their performances over the previous two seasons. However, the early results have fallen well below expectations.
🔥 SHEARER ISSUES A WARNING
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer described the Manchester United versus Tottenham encounter as one of the weekend’s most important matches because of the potential consequences for both managers.
According to the former Newcastle United striker, a poor result could have serious implications for either club’s leadership.
Shearer believes Tottenham are under particular pressure because of the significant amount of money invested in strengthening their squad.
He also pointed out that De Zerbi deserves credit for helping Spurs avoid relegation last season. That achievement earned the Italian manager greater backing from the club and allowed him to push for the players he wanted.
However, Shearer believes those expectations now come with increased responsibility to deliver results.
⚠️ A HEAVY DEFEAT COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING
Shearer suggested that the manner of Tottenham’s performance could be just as important as the final result.
Although he predicted a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford, he warned that a convincing defeat could leave De Zerbi in a difficult position.
A 2-0 or 3-0 loss would be particularly damaging, given Tottenham’s current position and their struggles in front of goal.
Nevertheless, there have been small signs of improvement, and it remains uncertain whether the club’s board would decide to dismiss the manager after one disappointing result.
😤 DE ZERBI DEMANDS A RESPONSE
Tottenham’s problems were evident in their previous league match against Aston Villa, when they suffered a 3-2 defeat after falling three goals behind.
Johan Manzambi, Nicolas Jackson and Emi Buendia put Villa in a commanding position before Conor Gallagher and Jan Paul van Hecke scored late goals for Spurs.
Although Tottenham managed to make the scoreline more respectable, their overall performance left serious questions about the team’s defensive organisation and consistency.
After the match, De Zerbi admitted that his players needed to work harder. He also made it clear that he was unhappy with the way the game ended.
The Italian now needs his team to show greater determination, improve their performances and begin collecting Premier League points.
👀 ALL EYES ON OLD TRAFFORD
Saturday’s encounter represents a major opportunity for Tottenham to respond to their disappointing start and ease the pressure surrounding their manager.
Manchester United have also experienced difficulties this season, making the meeting particularly important for both sides.
For De Zerbi, a positive performance could help restore confidence and give his rebuilding project some much-needed momentum.
However, another heavy defeat could intensify questions about whether he is the right man to lead Tottenham forward.
Will De Zerbi turn things around against Manchester United, or could this match put his Tottenham future in serious danger?
SPURS FANS, WHAT’S YOUR VERDICT?
