Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is facing mounting pressure after Tuesday's Champions League defeat at Atletico Madrid left his side with just two wins from nine matches across all competitions this season. The poor run has put Carrick's position under major scrutiny, with Sunday's trip to rivals Leeds now looming as a crucial fixture for the United chief.
Scholes backs Hurzeler for Old Trafford
United legend Paul Scholes has declared Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler "looks the real deal" amid speculation linking him to Old Trafford. The German, who has already dumped United out of the EFL Cup this season, is considered one of a number of prominent candidates touted as a potential replacement for Carrick.
Hurzeler became the youngest manager in Premier League history when he was appointed Brighton boss at just 31 years old. The former St. Pauli coach has guided the Seagulls to back-to-back eighth-place Premier League finishes, fuelling speculation he is prepared for a significant step up in ambition.
"He's done great. He looks the real deal," said Scholes on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast. "But again, Man United is different. The scrutiny is on you every single week. If Brighton didn't win a game for the next 10 games, nobody would really be that bothered."
The 1999 Treble-winner continued: "The one thing that someone like Hurzeler has got over Michael is that he's done a body of work in the Premier League. Michael did okay in Middlesbrough with what he had. I think Middlesbrough were probably expecting more with the budget they had." Scholes even hinted Carrick himself might be considering walking away from his former club given the poor run of results.
Conte gives green light to United
Free agent Antonio Conte would reportedly welcome the opportunity to take charge at United. Calciomercato reported the ex-Italy chief "would accept" the job and is supposedly awaiting an approach as Carrick's situation grows increasingly precarious.
The former Chelsea boss, who claimed the Premier League title with the Blues in 2017, has been without a club since departing Napoli at the close of last season. Conte, 57, secured the Serie A title in Naples in 2025 before reported tensions in the club led to his exit. According to talkSPORT, Conte is among the leading candidates to step in should Carrick be dismissed, with former Germany and Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann the other prominent free agent currently available.
Despite his prior accomplishments in England, there remains a degree of uncertainty for United surrounding Conte. His spells at both Chelsea and Tottenham concluded sourly, while the Italian may be better suited to joining between campaigns when he can oversee a full pre-season programme. Nevertheless, whispers emerging from Italy indicate he would welcome the prospect of taking charge at Old Trafford.
