Alan Shearer Names Fabian Hurzeler as Potential Manchester United Successor
Michael Carrick faces a defining run of fixtures at Manchester United after a 1-1 draw with Leeds United left his side in the Premier League’s bottom half, while Alan Shearer has identified Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler as a possible successor should the club make a change.
United’s results increase pressure on Carrick
United have won only one of their opening seven league matches, their worst beginning to a season since 1986. Sunday’s point at Elland Road did little to ease the concern surrounding Carrick, whose team have struggled to build on the momentum generated by last season’s third-place finish and Champions League qualification.
Carrick accepted after the match in Yorkshire that his reaction was conflicted, with the display falling short of the standard required despite the point gained. The strong finish to the previous campaign had created considerable goodwill, but the current sequence has brought renewed scrutiny of the manager’s position.
- Carrick led United to third in the Premier League last season, securing a return to the Champions League.
- United then took one win from their first seven league fixtures this term.
- A 1-1 draw away to Leeds on Sunday left the club in the lower half of the standings.
- United now travel to Italy to play Cesc Fabregas’ Como in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Shearer names Hurzeler, Howe and Conte
Shearer believes Hurzeler would be a strong candidate if Carrick were removed. The Brighton manager has overseen an impressive start to the season, with the Seagulls sitting third in the Premier League.
However, Shearer noted that moving from Brighton to Old Trafford would represent a major change in scale and operating model. He also suggested that United could look at Eddie Howe, who departed Newcastle United in July, and Antonio Conte, formerly in charge of Inter and Tottenham.
Shearer said that links with alternative managers are unavoidable when a major club is not winning regularly. In his view, Carrick understands that reality, and needs results quickly if he is to stop speculation over his future gathering further pace.
Recruitment and wages complicate any reset
A managerial decision would not resolve every issue facing United. Jamie Carragher has highlighted the difficulty created by the club’s wage structure, arguing that highly paid players who are not performing can be difficult to sell because potential destinations may not match their salaries.
That creates a cycle in which unwanted squad members remain in place, limiting room for a rebuild. The issue has become more prominent after United spent more than £150 million on summer arrivals.
Several established players, including Lisandro Martinez, have expressed frustration with the recruitment approach and indicated that further investment was required for United to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool.
Como trip becomes an immediate test
United’s next assignment is a Champions League visit to Como on Wednesday. The match follows a recent European defeat to Atletico Madrid, increasing the importance of producing a positive result in Italy.
- United have recorded one league victory in seven matches.
- The Leeds draw extended a start not seen at the club since 1986.
- Hurzeler has Brighton in third place, while Howe and Conte are also potential names in the discussion.
- United’s wage bill and summer spending of more than £150 million make any wider overhaul more complicated.
- The games before the next international break could shape whether Carrick remains in charge.
The board are currently understood to be giving Carrick time, but the margin for further setbacks is narrowing. A result against Como would offer a valuable response after the Atletico loss; another disappointing night would intensify the debate over whether United should persist with their current manager or pursue an alternative.
