Michael Carrick is already under enormous pressure at Manchester United.
Michael Carrick is already at risk of being sacked by the Red Devils
Michael Carrick is already at risk of being sacked by the Red Devils (Image: Getty)
Manchester United have reportedly identified their preferred candidate to replace Michael Carrick if the current Red Devils manager is relieved of his duties. Carrick is under enormous pressure to turn things around at United, who have only won two games in all competitions so far this season. They are currently in the bottom half of the Premier League table, having only beaten newly-promoted Ipswich Town since the start of the campaign. United also defeated Champions League minnows Sabah at home before losing to Atletico Madrid in their second European fixture on Tuesday night.
That result has piled even more pressure on Carrick, who has overseen a period of terrible form since he was appointed on a permanent basis in the summer.
It's been reported that he retains the backing of the dressing room, but given United's recent history of chopping and changing their managers, the prospect of his dismissal cannot be ruled out.
According to The Sun, club bosses have already identified Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler as the ideal candidate to take over from Carrick.
It's claimed that Hurzeler was singled out as a potential future United boss last year, along with Andoni Iraola and Oliver Glasner, who have since joined Liverpool and Nottingham Forest respectively.
The report states that Hurzeler is considered the standout manager to succeed Carrick if the United boss is given his marching orders in the near future.
However, given that he signed a new three-year contract with the Seagulls in the summer, United would have to pay a significant compensation fee to secure his services.
Hurzeler boasts an impressive record against the Red Devils, having led Brighton to four wins in their six games against United since he was appointed.
They have secured consecutive eighth-placed finishes in the Premier League over the last two seasons, wuth Hurzeler helping to stabilise the club as a regular competitor for the European places.
Brighton owner Tony Bloom said last month that he was not worried about losing Hurzeler should Brighton receive any approaches for their manager.
"I never worry about losing anyone at the football club," said Bloom, appearing on the Albion Unlimited podcast. "I know these things will change over time and we're prepared for any eventuality."
Bloom added: "I think he's done really well during the first two seasons at the football club and as we expected, of course.
"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.
"In each of the two seasons, he's had to come through some really difficult times. He's come through that by having real belief in his processes and his systems. That experience will do him the world of good going forward."