Manchester United have lost four of their opening nine matches, and the search for answers is starting to drift beyond results on the pitch. Fabian Hurzeler is now being described as the standout Premier League candidate if the club decide to move on from Michael Carrick. United are 13th in the Premier League with six points from six matches, and the next league trip is away to Leeds United on Sunday.
Carrick's position and United's league form
The state of United's start is why this story has moved so quickly. Six points from six league games leaves them with little margin for patience, and the 13th-place position only adds to the noise around Carrick.
The broader form is just as flat. United have scored nine league goals and conceded nine, which has left them without much of a platform to argue that a turnaround is already underway.
Hurzeler, Brighton and the problem for United
Brighton are part of why Hurzeler is such an attractive target. They sit third in the Premier League with 13 points from six matches, and Tony Bloom has sounded relaxed about the possibility of interest from elsewhere.
Bloom said Hurzeler had done really well during his first two seasons at the club and added: "I never worry about losing anyone at the football club. I know these things will change over time and we're prepared for any eventuality." He also said: "He's going to learn things. He's a really young head coach and he's had 18 months of experience at a high level and then come into the Premier League."
Hurzeler's contract runs to June 2029, and United would reportedly have to pay as much as £15m to hire him. Brighton's position and Bloom's tone make this more than a simple shortlist exercise, which is why the next few days around Carrick matter so much. Sunday at Leeds is the next marker for United, while Brighton's form keeps Hurzeler in the frame.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
