Fabian Hurzeler Emerges as Leading Candidate to Replace Michael Carrick at Man Utd
Michael Carrick remains Manchester United manager for now, but Fabian Hurzeler has emerged as the leading Premier League-based option if the club decide a change is required after four defeats in nine games.
Hurzeler profile fits a long-term United search
United have not moved to remove Carrick, 45, despite his difficult opening stretch after being appointed permanently following Champions League qualification. The pressure is rising, however, with the former midfielder viewed as the leading candidate to become the first Premier League manager dismissed this season.
Hurzeler, 33, has strengthened his standing at Brighton & Hove Albion with consecutive eighth-place finishes and an encouraging record against United. The German has already been regarded as one of the division’s high-upside younger coaches, alongside Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner.
His appeal would be rooted in more than short-term form. United are trying to build towards a Premier League title challenge in 2028, the year of the club’s 150th anniversary, and any managerial appointment would be judged against that wider target.
Brighton contract would make any move expensive
A move for Hurzeler would not be straightforward. He agreed a new Brighton deal in June that runs through to 2029, giving the Amex Stadium club a strong position in any negotiations.
Brighton owner Tony Bloom has indicated the club have plans in place should another side make an approach for their manager. Previous departures from Brighton have carried substantial compensation costs, notably when Graham Potter left for Chelsea.
That financial hurdle matters for United, particularly if they are considering a mid-season switch. The board must weigh the cost and disruption of replacing Carrick against the risk of allowing poor results to undermine their longer-range plan.
United’s managerial picture remains open
- United chose Carrick as permanent manager after securing Champions League football.
- Iraola and Glasner were among the alternatives not selected at that stage.
- Four losses in nine matches have increased scrutiny on Carrick’s position.
- Hurzeler has become the standout domestic candidate should United make a change.
- No approach can develop unless United first decide to alter their current coaching setup.
Antonio Conte is also on United’s radar. The former Chelsea and Tottenham head coach is understood to be interested in returning to England after guiding Napoli to the Serie A title, although there have been no formal talks.
Kieran McKenna and Eddie Howe have also been discussed by figures at the club during previous considerations. For the moment, though, neither they nor Conte are ahead of the immediate issue: whether Carrick can steady results quickly enough to retain the job.
What happens next
United’s upcoming run gives Carrick little room to recover slowly. Brighton, meanwhile, continue to outperform expectations under Hurzeler, ensuring the United links will remain in focus if pressure intensifies at Old Trafford.
- Carrick is still in charge despite a four-defeat start from nine matches.
- Hurzeler is contracted to Brighton until 2029 after signing an extension in June.
- Brighton’s likely compensation demands would be a major factor in any United approach.
- Conte, McKenna, Howe, Iraola and Glasner have all featured in United’s wider managerial thinking.
- United’s 2028 title ambition could discourage a rushed decision unless results deteriorate further.
