Fabian Hurzeler sends shockwaves with bold response to Manchester United job rumors

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has expressed his gratitude at being linked with the Manchester United job, describing it as an honour, but insisted his focus is firmly on his current club’s ambitions. Since arriving at the Amex Stadium last year, Hurzeler, the Premier League’s youngest permanent manager, has led Brighton to impressive heights, finishing eighth last season and currently placing tenth after six matches this term.

Despite a challenging start to the current campaign, Hurzeler has orchestrated wins against Manchester City and Chelsea and secured a draw with Tottenham Hotspur, bolstering his reputation as one of football’s most promising young tacticians. This success has prompted speculation about his future, with some pundits suggesting he could soon manage a top-tier club, particularly as Manchester United endure a difficult period under current boss Ruben Amorim.

Manchester United’s situation has grown increasingly precarious after their worst start to a Premier League season, following a disappointing 15th-place finish last year—their lowest since 1990. Reports indicate Amorim has been instructed to secure European qualification, though his position becomes more tenuous as each week passes without improvement. This has intensified rumours that Hurzeler is a candidate to replace Amorim should a change be made.

Addressing the speculation, Hurzeler told talkSPORT, “Yeah, of course, it is always an honour to be a part of the rumours. But I really respect the coach Ruben Amorim there, so I think it’s not the right thing to talk about this. But overall, I can say it’s a privilege to work for Brighton, I’m very happy to be the coach here. We [still] have a lot of work in front of us.”

Hurzeler also outlined his ambitions for Brighton, emphasizing the need for consistency to establish themselves among the Premier League’s top teams. He stated, “To really establish ourselves in the top group and get consistency in our results, I think that’s the main thing. We’ve proved it this season that we can beat the big teams, but in some moments we are struggling against the teams where it might be more equal, where they have the same amount of quality as us. So therefore I think the next step is getting consistency in the performances and the results. And then I am sure that we can stabilise ourselves also in the position in the table.”

Turning his attention to individual players, Hurzeler addressed Carlos Baleba’s recent struggles, suggesting the young midfielder needs time to adapt after being linked with a high-profile move to Manchester United. Hurzeler remarked, “I’m confident that we will get the best out of him, I think he needs time, he’s a young boy, his development in the last year was incredible. Maybe it went a little bit too fast, there was a lot of rumours about him, he played an incredible season, but I always try to be humble with the players.”

He continued, highlighting the importance of patience with young talent: “Because with young players, it’s normal that there will be some waves in their development, and at the moment, we have a wave, so therefore the only way to get out of it, is to try to keep working hard and try to use every training session you can have and try to get as many minutes on the pitch. And I saw a better Carlos Baleba at the weekend [3-1 win at Chelsea] and I am sure we will see a better Carlos Baleba in the next game [away at Wolves], and then it’s about us to get him back into shape and I am quite convinced that he will be there soon.”

As for Manchester United’s potential managerial changes, sources suggest Gareth Southgate is a leading candidate if Amorim is dismissed, with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly in direct contact with the former England manager. Southgate had previously been considered before Amorim’s appointment but was not interested in returning to club management at the time.

Other figures believed to be under consideration include Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola. Additionally, club legend Michael Carrick is reportedly open to returning to Old Trafford, four years after serving as interim manager. The managerial situation at Manchester United remains fluid as the club seeks to reverse their fortunes.