Man Utd Eye Nagelsmann, Conte, Hurzeler as Carrick Faces Sack Threat

By Johnson Arua

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up Brighton and Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler, former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte as potential replacements for Michael Carrick amid growing concerns over the club’s recent performances.

According to talkSPORT, the three managers have attracted interest from different factions within Manchester United’s hierarchy as pressure mounts on Carrick following a disappointing run of results.

The reported search for possible replacements comes after United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, extending their winless run to five matches across all competitions.

The setback followed a 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, further raising questions about the team’s performances and Carrick’s tactical decisions.

The defeat to Atletico also reportedly prompted United defender Lisandro Martinez to criticise technical director Jason Wilcox over what he considered inadequate efforts to strengthen the squad.

United will now be desperate to return to winning ways when they face historic rivals Leeds United in the Premier League on Sunday, with the outcome potentially influencing the growing debate over Carrick’s future.

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, the station’s chief live football anchor, Adrian Durham, suggested that Carrick could be approaching the end of his tenure if the team’s results fail to improve.

“Does it feel like an inevitability? Absolutely, that Michael Carrick will go,” Durham said.

He argued that Carrick would need to produce a significant turnaround in results to strengthen his chances of remaining in charge.

Durham also questioned some of the manager’s tactical decisions during the defeat to Atletico Madrid, suggesting that certain substitutions and changes contributed to United’s disappointing performance.

Among the three reported candidates, Nagelsmann and Conte are said to be available for an immediate appointment.

Conte reportedly left Napoli by mutual consent in May, while Nagelsmann’s future has also become a subject of speculation following Germany’s reported elimination by Paraguay in the round of 32 at the World Cup.

The report further indicated that United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, was backing Nagelsmann internally as a potential successor should the club decide to dismiss Carrick.

Hurzeler, however, remains under contract with Brighton until 2029 after signing an extension in May.

The German tactician is reportedly favoured by Wilcox and has impressed with Brighton’s performances this season, guiding the Seagulls to four victories in their opening six Premier League matches to occupy third position in the standings.

The 33-year-old has also strengthened his credentials by leading Brighton to victory over Manchester United in the third round of the EFL Cup in September.

His work at Brighton is understood to have attracted attention within United’s hierarchy as the club considers its options amid uncertainty surrounding Carrick’s position.

Despite the reported interest in the three managers, Manchester United have not announced any formal decision regarding Carrick’s future.

For now, the former United midfielder’s immediate priority will be to arrest the team’s poor run of form, beginning with Sunday’s Premier League clash against Leeds United.