Michael Carrick Under Pressure as Man Utd Consider Replacement

Michael Carrick is already facing growing pressure at Manchester United following a difficult start to the 2026/27 season, with fresh reports linking Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler with a possible move to Old Trafford.

United have collected just 5 points from their opening 5 Premier League games and have already been eliminated from the Carabao Cup following a shocking loss against Brighton. Despite the speculation, there is currently no indication that the club have decided to sack Carrick.

Why Is Michael Carrick Under Pressure?

The pressure increased after Manchester United surrendered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Brighton in the Carabao Cup on September 16. Reports have also highlighted concerns about United’s intensity and physical output, with Reuters reporting that the team ranks last in the Premier League for several high-intensity running and sprinting measures.

Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has emerged as one of the leading names being discussed as a possible Carrick replacement. Reports on September 27 say Brighton could demand between £10 million and £15 million to release the German, while removing Carrick could reportedly cost United another £7.2 million to £8.8 million

However, there is an important caveat: reports also say United’s hierarchy currently has no plans to sack Carrick, while Brighton have no intention of letting Hürzeler leave. For now, the speculation is on what United could do if results fail to improve rather than an imminent managerial change.