Manchester United have their eyes set on Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick.
Manchester United are monitoring Fabian Hurzeler as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick, with club chiefs increasingly impressed by the Brighton & Hove Albion manager’s attacking approach and high-energy style, as per a report from Football Insider.
Hurzeler has been doing wonders for Brighton
The 33-year-old has overseen Brighton’s strong start to the season, with the Seagulls currently sitting third in the Premier League. They have won three of their opening five league matches, including impressive victories over Aston Villa and Arsenal. They also thrashed Coventry City 5-0 earlier in the season, highlighting the attacking approach that has caught Manchester United’s attention.
The Seagulls currently lead the Premier League scoring charts with 16 goals from five matches. They also average 64.8 per cent possession, while their 22 big chances and 5.8 shots on target per game are the highest figures in the division. These statistics underscore Hurzeler’s reputation as one of the most highly rated young managers in English football.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have endured a difficult start under Carrick. The Red Devils have collected just five points from their opening five Premier League games, recording one victory and two draws. A 1-0 defeat against 10-man Manchester City was followed by a Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Brighton, have put a bit of pressure on Carrick.
Carrick is not understood to be under immediate threat, however. He retains significant credit after guiding Manchester United to Champions League qualification during his spell as interim boss last season before being handed a two-year permanent contract in May. Should United’s poor form persist, Hurzeler is understood to be the preferred option if a change is made.
United will have to fork out a big fee to land Hurzeler
Any move would require a significant financial commitment. Manchester United’s owners, INEOS, have already spent around £31 million compensating Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim, and their respective coaching staffs over the past two years.
Football finance expert Stefan Borson believes that United would need to pay around £15 million in compensation to Brighton to secure Hurzeler. Brighton anticipated interest in their manager and handed him a new contract until 2029 in May, yet that has not deterred speculation, with Manchester United monitoring his situation.
