Manchester United are considering Fabian Hurzeler as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick, with the Brighton manager reportedly emerging as a leading candidate should the Old Trafford position become available.
Carrick is not yet understood to be at the point of facing dismissal, but United’s difficult start to the season has increased the pressure on the manager. The club have won only two of their last nine matches in all competitions and are without a victory in their past five.
United appointed Carrick in the summer after he impressed during a spell as interim manager last season. However, the recent run of results has prompted the club to consider alternative options if the team’s form does not improve.
Hurzeler’s work at Brighton has reportedly placed him high on United’s list of possible successors. Antonio Conte has also been mentioned as another potential candidate if the managerial role is opened up.
Could Fabian Hurzeler succeed at Manchester United?
The German coach has built a strong reputation during his time in the Premier League and is regarded as one of the division’s impressive young managers. His progress at Brighton could make him an attractive choice for a United side seeking to move forward.
There would nevertheless be risks in appointing Hurzeler. Managers including Graham Potter and Roberto De Zerbi have found life more difficult after leaving Brighton, while Thomas Frank struggled at Tottenham following an impressive spell at Brentford.
Those examples underline the challenge of moving from a well-run club where a manager’s methods are established to the far more demanding environment surrounding Manchester United. Hurzeler may therefore have to decide whether a move to Old Trafford would represent the right next step in his career.
United have gone through several managers in recent years, and Hurzeler is expected to attract interest from a bigger club sooner or later. Whether that opportunity comes at Old Trafford will depend on Carrick’s results and the club’s decision over the coming period.
