According to Football365 on Monday, October 19, 2026, Manchester United are experiencing a difficult start to the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, with Carrick facing mounting pressure to improve the team’s performances. The Red Devils have reportedly secured just one victory from their opening seven league matches and currently occupy 13th place in the standings.

Their disappointing league form has been compounded by an early elimination from the League Cup, raising concerns about whether Carrick can deliver the improvement expected by the club’s leadership.

Although United are reportedly not ready to dismiss the former midfielder, criticism continues to grow. Club legend Gary Neville has warned that the team must produce better results if Carrick is to retain his position.

Neville believes Manchester United should target at least a fifth-place finish this season as they attempt to return to the Champions League. He has also suggested that Carrick could face a difficult situation if the club remain in the lower half of the table by January.

Upcoming matches against Bournemouth, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Liverpool and Brentford could therefore become crucial in determining the direction of United’s season.

Should the club eventually decide to appoint a new manager, Brighton’s Hurzeler is reportedly among the names attracting attention. The German coach has impressed with his work at Brighton, helping the team establish themselves as a competitive force in the Premier League.

According to the report, Brighton have scored 23 league goals while conceding only five, demonstrating their effectiveness in attack and defensive organisation. Hurzeler’s achievements have reportedly attracted the attention of Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox, making him a potential candidate if a managerial vacancy emerges.

However, Brighton are said to be relaxed about the speculation surrounding their manager. Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke reportedly indicated that the club had not received contact from other teams regarding Hurzeler’s availability.

The 33-year-old remains under contract with Brighton until the summer of 2029, placing the Seagulls in a strong position to retain his services should interest develop further.

Manchester United are also reportedly monitoring other possible managerial candidates, including Antonio Conte, Julian Nagelsmann and Eddie Howe. Nevertheless, there has been no official confirmation that Carrick will be replaced.

For now, Carrick’s immediate challenge is to reverse United’s poor run and deliver more consistent performances. Positive results in the coming weeks could ease the pressure, while continued setbacks may intensify speculation about his future at Old Trafford.