A Manchester United chief reportedly 'really appreciates' Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler and keeps bringing him up behind the scenes as pressure mounts on Michael Carrick.
United's winless run extended to a fifth match when they were beaten 2-0 by Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Questions over Carrick's future as head coach are growing, and supporters booed the team after conceding a last-minute equaliser to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Chief's admiration for Hurzeler
Although the United hierarchy are not negotiating with any other manager because they are still backing Carrick, Fabrizio Romano claims that one club chief is a big fan of Hurzeler and brings his name up when the board discusses the managerial situation.
The report also claims that Hurzeler isn't the only name being discussed, and United know that Antonio Conte could be open to taking a job mid-season.
Hurzeler's record and Carrick's response
Hurzeler has led third-placed Brighton to four wins from six games against United since he took over in 2024. The Seagulls have also won four of their first six league games this season after successive eighth-placed finishes in the top-flight.
Speaking after the defeat at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, Carrick said: "We need to find a way for sure [to produce winning performances again]. Tonight is a one-off game, which is very different - it's the Champions League, it's a tough place to come. In that sense, the bigger picture is a different story. We need to improve certain things, we're doing certain things okay. But we need to win games, for sure."
He added: "I don't see the confidence as being an issue. I think to come here and respond [to conceding late against Spurs] and take the ball like we did and control spells and create chances, the confidence is there. There's the big disappointment of not winning, of course, but what a great game [on] Sunday to prepare for. It's a fantastic game for us, for the club, for the history, for the supporters. Everything to do with the game is a great game so we'll be ready for that."
