Michael Carrick took charge of a Manchester United side desperately short on confidence at the start of 2026, following a poor run of form under previous manager Rúben Amorim, who was dismissed after an outburst following the draw away to Leeds. Darren Fletcher was subsequently placed in temporary charge while United searched for a caretaker manager, but his brief spell began with a 2-1 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup third round, leaving United eliminated from both domestic competitions at the first hurdle.

Appointed just days before the Manchester derby on January 17, Carrick immediately sparked a dramatic turnaround in United’s fortunes. Back-to-back victories over Manchester City and Arsenal set the tone for the remainder of the campaign, with Carrick restoring the team to a more familiar 4-2-3-1 formation and increasing Kobbie Mainoo’s involvement. United went on to collect more points in the second half of the season than any other side in the league.

That resurgence ultimately propelled United to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification. Although Carrick initially said he would only remain in charge until the end of the season, his success led to discussions about a permanent appointment, which the club confirmed on May 22 when he signed a two-year deal.

Carrick has overseen a far-from-ideal start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, with the club sitting in 12th place going into the international break after one win, two draws, and two losses, despite a favourable start on paper.

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hürzeler has impressed since replacing Roberto De Zerbi on the south coast ahead of the 2024/25, also becoming the youngest permanent head coach in Premier League history.

The 33-year-old's reputation has skyrocketed this season after an impressive 3-2 comeback win over Manchester United at Old Trafford and a dominant 3-0 victory over reigning Premier League champions Arsenal.

As Football Insider reports, Manchester United are strong admirers of Hürzeler, but it's clear to United that taking him from Brighton would require substantial compensation.

Football finance expert Stefan Borson estimates it would take close to £15 million, largely because of the new contract the German manager signed over the summer, which keeps him on the south coast until 2029.

Added to the near £15 million fee it would take to pry Hürzeler away from Brighton, United would also have to pay a considerable amount to dismiss Michael Carrick and his staff, and would make another expensive managerial change after the £14.5 million paid to Erik ten Hag, and the near £8.2 million to dismiss Ruben Amorim, down from a maximum £16.7 million compensation package.

Reports indicate that INEOS remain calm about Carrick's position at the club, as the club believes that the former United midfielder still retains significant credit from his successful interim spell last season.

Football is ultimately a results-based business, but all reports indicate that INEOS are willing to give Carrick time to rediscover the form that earned him the permanent role, and believe he still has time to prove he can lead the club forward.

If performances continue to underwhelm and United believe the German is the right man to lead a long-term project at Old Trafford, then the Brighton head coach would be an interesting choice, with his playing style and ability to develop young players into stars as major positives.