Manchester United have reportedly drawn up a three-man shortlist of potential replacements for head coach Michael Carrick, who is under serious pressure after the team's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. Fabian Hurzeler, Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte are all named as candidates.
United have won just twice in 12 games this season. The loss to Bournemouth, with goals from Rayan, Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson, followed a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League in midweek.
Conte and Nagelsmann waiting for opportunities
Reports claim Conte and Nagelsmann are both waiting for their next opportunity in management. Conte, who previously managed Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, has allegedly made it clear he is interested in taking over at Old Trafford. According to sources, intermediaries have approached the Red Devils leadership about Carrick, with Conte prepared to accept the position.
Nagelsmann, formerly of RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich, stepped down from the German national team role during the summer. He had been suggested as a potential Liverpool head coach when Arne Slot was dismissed in the summer. TalkSPORT claim he is another viable candidate for United.
Hurzeler admired by United hierarchy
Hurzeler has overseen Brighton & Hove Albion's impressive start to the season, with the Seagulls sitting third in the table behind Manchester City and Arsenal. United would have to pay a compensation fee to lure him away from Brighton.
The Sun has previously reported that Hurzeler is viewed as an outstanding contender to assume control of the Red Devils should they opt to change head coach. Following the defeat to Bournemouth, many view Carrick's position as untenable.
There were reports of a meeting among the United hierarchy last week, where one executive offered additional support to Hurzeler. It was claimed by Fabrizio Romano that the young German coach is 'really appreciated' by the Red Devils figure, as his name continues to surface in private discussions regarding Carrick's future.
Challenging run ahead
United face a challenging schedule ahead of the approaching November international break, welcoming Bournemouth before visiting Chelsea, then hosting consecutive fixtures against AS Roma and Aston Villa prior to an away encounter with rivals Liverpool.
