Antonio Conte and Fabian Hürzeler have both denied any interest in the Manchester United job as pressure intensifies on Michael Carrick.

A dreadful 4-1 defeat to Como on Wednesday night in the Champions League shone a spotlight on Carrick, who signed a two-year deal in May after initially taking over on an interim basis.

It continues an abysmal run for United, who have now failed to win their last seven matches in all competitions, dating back to a 4-0 win against minnows Sabah on Sept. 10.

Carrick will lead United this weekend in their Premier League clash against Bournemouth, sources have told ESPN.

Conte, who won the Premier League and FA Cup as Chelsea boss and also managed Tottenham Hotspur, has now moved to distance himself from United, while Brighton boss Hürzeler insisted his focus was entirely on the Seagulls.

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Antonio Conte denies he's in talks amid Man United links

Conte said via social media: "Following recent media reports in Italy and abroad, I feel it is appropriate to clarify my position.

"My name has been linked with numerous clubs, but there are currently no negotiations at an advanced stage.

"Following a wonderful and successful spell in charge of Napoli, I will take the time I need to consider how and when to return to management. It will be a carefully considered decision, one I will make when I believe the conditions are right.

"I have read reports of financial demands and requests for full control that I have supposedly already made to the clubs mentioned, as well as reservations about what has been described as my 'strong personality.' These reports are unfounded, as there is currently no concrete basis for such assessments.

"Should a concrete opportunity arise, that will be the time to hold discussions with the club concerned and jointly consider the terms of a potential agreement, with due regard for both parties' needs and the qualities and approach that define my work as manager.

"Until then, any assumptions about my demands and my professional future remain speculation and cannot be treated as fact."

Conte left Napoli, where he won Serie A, in June and hasn't returned to the dugout since.

Hürzeler insists focus entirely on Brighton amid links to Old Trafford

Having sealed European football last season and begun this one in such fine style, it is no surprise that there is so much interest in Brighton's Hürzeler.

He guided the Seagulls into the Conference League last season, finishing eighth in the Premier League to qualify for a European competition for only the second time in the club's history.

And this season, Brighton have begun the season on fire, scoring 23 goals, more than any other side in England's top flight, losing just once and demolishing champions Arsenal to sit third in the Premier League.

That has made Hürzeler one of the hottest properties in football and understandably he has been linked to the job at Old Trafford.

The 33-year-old German, though, maintains he is only thinking about how to keep Brighton moving forward into this weekend's game at Liverpool, with his side held to a goalless draw in the Conference League away to Czech minnows Jablonec on Thursday night to end their six-game win streak, which included a Carabao Cup triumph at Old Trafford.

"I am really focused on my job here," Hurzeler said in a news conference. "I have no time to think about these rumours because we play every three days.

"Beside that, I have a lot of respect for Michael Carrick, for what he has done with Manchester United at the end of last season.

"He is a great human being, he is a great personality. Every time we meet each other, we have a really good relationship, so therefore I really respect him and there is nothing more to say about that."

Hürzeler joined Brighton in July 2024 and has recently managed his 100th match at the Amex Stadium, winning 46.

Information from the Press Association contributed to this report