Manchester United have been linked with Fabian Hurzeler, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte as potential successors to Michael Carrick, with pressure mounting on the current boss following a 4-1 defeat to Como. The Premier League-winning midfielder faces a huge battle to turn the tide after a disappointing start to his maiden full campaign in charge at Old Trafford.
Carrick's Difficulties Intensify
Carrick's troubles deepened on Wednesday as his side were comprehensively swept aside by Cesc Fabregas' Como in Italy. Nico Paz netted twice in a dominant victory for the Serie A outfit, handing United a second consecutive European defeat and leaving them with just one triumph from their opening three fixtures. The loss extended their overall winless run to seven matches across all competitions.
Both Conte and Nagelsmann remain available for their next managerial appointments. Hurzeler, meanwhile, has been orchestrating Brighton & Hove Albion's successful start to the season, with the club competing alongside early leaders Manchester City and Arsenal.
Conte and Hurzeler in the Frame
Italian manager Conte, who previously managed Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, has reportedly indicated his willingness to assume control at Old Trafford. According to reports, intermediaries have approached the Red Devils' senior figures regarding Carrick's replacement, with Conte prepared to accept the position as speculation intensifies.
United icon Ashley Young refused to endorse his former Inter Milan boss, insisting he would be a 'disaster' at Old Trafford. Hurzeler, by contrast, finds himself in a vastly different situation from 12 months ago, when sections of the Brighton support were demanding his departure. Now, the Seagulls harbour ambitions of European football as they dismantle their Premier League opponents in a remarkable opening to the campaign for the German.
The Brighton manager has received backing to succeed Carrick from former Premier League striker Alan Shearer. The Sun have previously reported that Hurzeler is regarded as an outstanding contender to take control of the Red Devils should they opt to change manager, and following their heavy defeat in Northern Italy, pressure on Carrick's position will mount.
Leaked Meeting and Nagelsmann Link
A leaked meeting emerged earlier this week, where a United executive offered additional backing to Hurzeler. Fabrizio Romano claimed that the young German coach is 'really appreciated' by one Red Devils figure as his name continues to surface in private discussions surrounding Carrick's future.
Nagelsmann has also been suggested as a possible successor, having established his reputation in Germany before assuming the national team position, a role he stepped down from in the summer. Previously of RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, Nagelsmann is highly respected throughout Europe and had been floated as a potential Liverpool manager when Arne Slot was sacked in the summer. TalkSPORT have also identified him as a credible candidate for the United role.
Fixture Schedule and Dressing Room Tension
United face a demanding fixture schedule ahead of the upcoming November international break, beginning with home ties against Bournemouth before travelling to Chelsea, followed by consecutive home matches against AS Roma and Aston Villa, then a daunting away fixture at rivals Liverpool.
The atmosphere will have deteriorated further in the wake of the Como drubbing, leaving Carrick's position under severe threat. Bruno Fernandes' comments suggest a bigger friction developing. "It's a decision from the staff to not press man to man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball, but sometimes when you give too much the ball to these teams they get confidence. That's on the manager and staff to see it, not me. Sometimes you have to be more brave under pressure, take the risk of pressing high and making them uncomfortable."
Carrick has since hit back at his star man, saying: "There's a little bit of whatever system you play, whatever tactics you play, if you don't run, and you don't run forward, and you don't run back, you aren't going to win."
