Michael Carrick is under increasing pressure following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 campaign, having managed just one Premier League win
The Manchester United hierarchy are believed to be admirers of Fabian Hurzeler
Manchester United have reportedly identified Fabian Hurzeler as their preferred candidate to replace Michael Carrick should they decide to make a change in the dugout. Carrick, who only signed a permanent contract in the summer, has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks with United managing just one win in their last six Premier League matches.
After guiding the club to a third-place finish last season, the United hierarchy placed considerable faith in Carrick. However, the early stages of the 2026/27 campaign have failed to deliver a repeat of that form, with the Red Devils currently sitting 13th in the Premier League table.
As a result, questions are beginning to emerge over Carrick’s long-term future at Old Trafford, particularly given the club’s history of dismissing head coaches during the season. Erik ten Hag was sacked in October 2024, while his successor, Ruben Amorim, was dismissed at the start of 2026.
Despite the growing scrutiny, United are expected to give Carrick more time to turn things around before making any major decisions. However, the club’s hierarchy will be looking for an improvement in results over the coming weeks, with October and early November potentially proving pivotal to their season.
According to The Sun, the United board are monitoring the situation closely and regard Hurzeler as their ‘standout’ candidate should they decide to replace Carrick. The Brighton boss was identified as a potential future United manager last year, alongside Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner.
Iraola succeeded Arne Slot in the summer, while Glasner took charge of Nottingham Forest after leaving Crystal Palace. United ultimately opted to stick with Carrick after he secured Champions League qualification, but his position could come under further scrutiny if results continue to disappoint.
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Hurzeler, meanwhile, committed his future to Brighton by signing a new three-year contract in June. The Seagulls would therefore be in a strong position to demand a substantial compensation fee should United make an approach.
Brighton owner Tony Bloom warned last month that the club was ‘prepared for any eventuality’ if another side expressed an interest in appointing the German.
Since taking charge in 2024, Hurzeler has guided Brighton to four wins in six meetings with United, while leading the Seagulls to consecutive eighth-place finishes in the Premier League.
Antonio Conte is another potential option for United, with the Italian currently out of work and potentially open to a return to English football.
The former Chelsea and Tottenham manager last took charge of a Premier League match in 2023, during his spell at Spurs. United have also monitored Kieran McKenna and Eddie Howe as possible managerial options.
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