Man United eye Brighton's Hurzeler as standout candidate to replace struggling Carrick

Manchester United are monitoring Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler as their standout candidate to succeed Michael Carrick, should the club decide to make a managerial change during the 2026/27 season, according to The Sun.

Carrick, who signed a permanent contract at Old Trafford in the summer after guiding United to a third-place finish last season, has seen his position come under scrutiny following a difficult start to the campaign. The Red Devils have won just one of their last six Premier League matches and currently sit 13th in the table — a sharp contrast to the form that earned Carrick the job on a full-time basis.

United are expected to give Carrick more time to turn results around, with October and early November considered a potentially pivotal period. However, the club’s hierarchy is watching closely, and the board’s history of in-season dismissals will not be lost on anyone at the club. Erik ten Hag was sacked in October 2024, and his successor Ruben Amorim was let go at the start of 2026 before Carrick took permanent charge.

Hurzeler was first identified as a potential United manager last year, alongside Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner. Iraola has since taken over from Arne Slot, while Glasner moved to Nottingham Forest after leaving Crystal Palace. United ultimately retained Carrick when he secured Champions League qualification, but the German coach has remained on their radar.

Any approach for Hurzeler would come at a cost. The 31-year-old signed a new three-year contract with Brighton in June, and owner Tony Bloom warned last month that the club was “prepared for any eventuality” if a rival side came calling. Since taking charge in 2024, Hurzeler has led Brighton to four wins in six meetings against United and back-to-back eighth-place Premier League finishes.

Antonio Conte is also mentioned as a potential alternative, with the former Chelsea and Tottenham manager currently without a club and reportedly open to returning to English football. Conte last managed a Premier League side in 2023.