United successor speculation grows, but Carrick remains in place

Manchester United have not announced a decision to replace manager Michael Carrick, despite reports of mounting pressure after the club’s defeat by Como and discussion of possible successors. Fabrizio Romano said the club has shown interest in Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, who remains focused on his current role and is not considering a move to United. Romano said United had publicly and privately backed Carrick, but that the mood had changed after the Como match. He reported a feeling within the club that some players were unhappy with the team’s situation, including its technical and tactical direction. Those assessments of internal opinion stem from Romano’s account; the club has not confirmed a change in its position. The reports describe Hurzeler as one of several managers who could be linked with United if the job becomes available. Romano said someone on the club’s board appreciates the Brighton manager, but did not identify that person in the remarks cited. A separate report identified United director of football Jason Wilcox, though that identification was not established in Romano’s comments. Romano also named Antonio Conte, Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe as...