Man United identify Hurzeler as top Carrick replacement with club 13th in Premier League

Manchester United are monitoring Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler as their preferred successor to Michael Carrick, according to The Sun, with the club sitting 13th in the Premier League after a difficult start to the 2026/27 season.

Carrick, who signed a permanent deal in the summer following a third-place finish last season, has won just once in his last six league outings. The board is expected to give him more time to turn results around, but the coming weeks — particularly October and early November — are being viewed internally as a critical window.

Hurzeler has been on United’s radar since last year, when he was considered alongside Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner as potential future managers. Iraola has since taken over at Liverpool following Arne Slot’s departure, while Glasner moved to Nottingham Forest after leaving Crystal Palace. United ultimately backed Carrick when he delivered Champions League qualification, but that goodwill is being tested by the current run of form.

The 31-year-old German signed a new three-year contract with Brighton in June, meaning United would face a substantial compensation bill to prise him away. Brighton owner Tony Bloom acknowledged last month that the club was “prepared for any eventuality” if a rival club came calling for their manager.

Since taking charge at the Amex in 2024, Hurzeler has guided Brighton to four wins in six meetings against United and back-to-back eighth-place Premier League finishes — a record that underlines both his credentials and the awkward optics of United pursuing him.

Antonio Conte is also mentioned as a potential candidate, with the former Chelsea, Juventus, and Inter Milan manager currently without a club. United’s recent managerial history adds urgency to any succession planning: Erik ten Hag was dismissed in October 2024, and his replacement Ruben Amorim was let go at the start of 2026, leaving Carrick as the third head coach in under two years.