Hurzeler reported as leading candidate if United replace Carrick

Manchester United are reported to regard Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler as a leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick if the club decides to change managers, but Carrick remains in the job and United are reported to continue backing him. The claim about Hurzeler’s standing was attributed to journalist Samuel Luckhurst. It has been repeated in reports, but no direct confirmation from Manchester United was provided. Fabrizio Romano separately said the club expected no immediate managerial change after its Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid and had not contacted another manager about replacing Carrick. United have endured a difficult start to the campaign, with five consecutive matches without a win reported across all competitions. The Atletico defeat added to pressure on Carrick, who became the club’s permanent manager over the summer after serving as interim manager. Reports also say United have won two of their first nine matches, though accounts vary in describing the precise scope of that run. Journalist Nicolo Schira said Carrick’s position was at risk and that matches against Leeds, Como and Bournemouth would be decisive.