Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler is 'completely focused' on his role at the club despite reports linking him with the Manchester United job, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The speculation comes after a damaging 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League compounded a poor start to the season for United, increasing pressure on manager Michael Carrick. United have won just two of their first 11 games in all competitions and are winless in their last seven matches.
United's struggles and Carrick's future
Public questioning of Carrick's methods by club captain Bruno Fernandes has added to the uncertainty at Old Trafford. Reports suggest Carrick still retains the support of senior figures at the club, but Saturday's match against Bournemouth is seen as pivotal to his future.
Former Chelsea and Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte, currently out of work after leaving Napoli at the end of last season, is said to be keen on the job. Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe are also out of work and reportedly in the running, while Hurzeler's strong start at Brighton has brought his name into consideration.
Romano on Hurzeler's stance
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: 'Fabian Hurzeler is doing fantastic at Brighton.' He added: 'Manchester United have someone on their board who really appreciates Fabian Hurzeler, but that's it; at the moment, he's completely focused on Brighton.'
Betfair's next Manchester United manager odds list Eddie Howe at 9/4, with Antonio Conte and Fabian Hurzeler both at 5/1. Julian Nagelsmann is 7/1, Kieran McKenna 8/1 and Cesc Fabregas 11/1.
Shearer's assessment
Former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer recently discussed Hurzeler's credentials as a potential successor to Carrick. Shearer told Betfair: 'If Michael Carrick is relieved of his duties, Fabian Hurzeler would be a good replacement, but it's a very different model at Brighton.'
Shearer also mentioned Howe and Conte as candidates, adding: 'Whether you like it or not, that's what happens when you're not winning football matches and when you're at one of the biggest clubs in the world so you have to accept that, and I'm pretty sure Michael Carrick does. That's why Michael desperately needs some results or he's going to continue to get names linked with his job.'
