Jason Wilcox and Vivell Disagree Over Carrick Replacement at Man Utd

· GiveMeSport

The Manchester United manager is under pressure following a difficult start to the season

Man United 's 2-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night means they have now lost four of their nine matches this season, winning two they were expected to win at home to Ipswich Town in the Premier League and Sabah in the Champions League.

The Red Devils were far from convincing against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, but they looked to be on course to take all three points before Dominic Solanke's injury-time equaliser.

Carrick's men then conceded in the first minute of the notoriously difficult away match against Atletico, with Leny Yoro's second half dismissal ending the game as a contest.

It's not only the results that have been poor this season, but the performances are nowhere near the levels they were at when Carrick was in interim charge, and it is becoming apparent that club chiefs should have done more in the market than simply strengthening the central midfield position in the summer.

That is something Lisandro Martinez clearly believes following his outburst against Wilcox and INEOS following the loss against Diego Simeone's side, but if results continue like they are, then it will be Carrick who pays the price.

Carrick's Record in 2026-27 Season

- Matches 9 - Wins 2 - Draws 3 - Losses 4 - Win percentage 22.2%

United's start in the league is their worst for 40 years, and the 45-year-old now faces a difficult away double-header against Leeds United and Como in the next week.

Jacobs has told talkSPORT that United are considering potential options should they decide to sack Carrick, although Wilcox and Vivell disagree over whom the club's top target should be.

According to Jacobs, Brighton and Hove Albion boss Fabian Hurzeler is one option for United if they do decide to make a change in the dugout in the next weeks.

The 33-year-old German is said to be the favoured option for Wilcox, with the youthful coach leading the Seagulls to third in the Premier League standings this term after successive eighth-placed finishes in the top flight.

He also masterminded Brighton's amazing comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup last month, which is the first time United had been 2-0 up at home and lost in 50 years.

Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton Record

- Matches in charge 97 - Wins 44 - Draws 27 - Losses 26 - Win percentage 45.4%

Getting him out of the Amex could be difficult given he only recently extended his contract on the south coast until 2029, and with Brighton being notoriously difficult negotiators.

United could also look at free-agent managers where they wouldn't need to agree a compensation fee with their club, such as Julian Nagelsmann.

The 39-year-old left his job as Germany manager following the 2026 World Cup and remains available, and he is the name being pushed by Vivell if United make a change.

Another free-agent option being heavily mentioned for the potential role is Antonio Conte, who is also a free agent after leaving Napoli in the summer.

The Italian has won multiple league titles in Italy and one with Chelsea in England, and while he usually likes to take charge of clubs in the summer, so he has a full pre-season to work with the players, Fabrizio Romano claims on this occasion that he is willing to take over at the right club mid-season.

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