Fabian Hurzeler has addressed questions about reports linking him to Manchester United’s managerial position amid uncertainty about Rúben Amorim.
Rúben Amorim is coming under increasing pressure at Manchester United after a stuttering start to the 2025/26 season.
A promising pre-season in the United States gave supporters cause for optimism, but that soon faded with an opening defeat to Arsenal. A draw against Fulham and a shock Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town further soured the atmosphere.
Amorim’s first Premier League win came in a 3-2 victory over Burnley, secured in dramatic fashion by a stoppage-time Bruno Fernandes penalty.
Since the September international break, however, United have endured a 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City, scraped past a 10-man Chelsea side at Old Trafford, and were convincingly beaten 3-1 by Brentford, leaving the head coach under growing scrutiny.
Hurzeler addresses United speculation
When Brighton announced that relatively unknown 31-year-old German manager Fabian Hurzeler was set to take over from Roberto De Zerbi ahead of last season, some felt it was a very risky move.
However, Hurzeler impressed, guiding Brighton to an 8th-placed finish in the Premier League on his first time of asking. So far in 2025/26, his club sit 10th in the league table and are maintaining a steady run of form.
With Amorim not too far from the chopping block at United as it stands, Hurzeler has been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
“Yeah, of course, it is always an honour to be a part of the rumours,” the Seagulls boss told talkSPORT when asked what he makes of the links to Manchester’s biggest club.
“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.”
United likely looking for more experience than Hurzeler
Amorim is certainly a more experienced boss than Hurzeler, but a fair few critics still questioned the Portuguese’s appointment at Old Trafford. He joined at the age of 39, having previously succeeded only in the Portuguese league.
Since then, it has become apparent to many that the task at United is too heavy a job for Amorim, and reports suggest that if the head coach is relieved of his duties, United’s decision-makers want the next manager to have experience in English football.
While Hurzeler does have one full season of Premier League football under his belt, there are others who have a wider range of English football experience, such as many of the other names linked.
United are reportedly keeping a close eye on Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glanser and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola. At the same time, there is a chance the club could look to appoint Michael Carrick on an interim basis before securing a new permanent boss next summer.
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