Man Utd board eyeing deal to smash record fee to bring in “amazing” manager

Manchester United are weighing up their managerial options amid growing pressure on Michael Carrick, with a potentially record-breaking appointment emerging as one possibility for INEOS.

The Red Devils have won just two of their opening 11 matches in all competitions, and although they are expected to stick with the former midfielder for Sunday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth, club chiefs are weighing up possible replacements.

Two candidates have emerged as frontrunners, with The Guardian reporting that director of football Jason Wilcox favours former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe.

Howe is currently out of work and would reportedly listen to an approach from Old Trafford, although he would need convincing to return to management just three months after leaving St James’ Park.

Meanwhile, United’s head of recruitment Christopher Vivell is understood to prefer Julian Nagelsmann, having previously worked alongside the German at RB Leipzig.

Nagelsmann is another leading contender and would reportedly be open to discussing the position, although he would want assurances about the club’s structure.

However, two other managers attracting interest would be considerably more difficult to appoint – Aston Villa’s Unai Emery and Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hürzeler.

Man Utd could smash world record to appoint Fabian Hürzeler

REUTERS/John Sibley

According to reliable journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph, Hürzeler has fans in the United boardroom, but they could have to pay a world-record compensation fee to prise Hürzeler away from Brighton.

The 33-year-old signed a new contract in May, keeping him at the Amex Stadium until June 2029, but crucially, the agreement does not contain a release clause.

Brighton are reportedly relaxed about his future despite United’s admiration, with the Seagulls expected to demand more than the £21.7m Bayern Munich paid RB Leipzig for Nagelsmann in 2021.

Hürzeler has overseen an impressive start to the campaign, guiding Brighton to third in the Premier League after seven matches, including victories over Arsenal and Aston Villa.

However, speaking on Friday, the German insisted he was concentrating on his current responsibilities rather than speculation about a move to Old Trafford.

Hürzeler arrived at Brighton from St Pauli in 2024, having earned promotion to the Bundesliga with the German club, and has since established himself as one of the Premier League’s most highly regarded young coaches.

Former Brighton manager Gus Poyet was particularly impressed after meeting Hürzeler during his time in Germany: “He started talking about football, and he was amazing. I was sitting in there, I’m thinking, ‘I would like to play for this guy’.”

Man Utd injury crisis easing for Bournemouth clash

REUTERS/Scott Heppell

Carrick will be hoping for a much-improved performance when United welcome Bournemouth to Old Trafford on Sunday, with several players returning to contention.

Leny Yoro is available again after serving a Champions League suspension, while Ayden Heaven has recovered from illness and Matthijs de Ligt made his comeback from injury against Como.

However, Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford remain doubts, while Luke Shaw, Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Sesko are among those expected to miss out.