Football

Fabian Hurzeler dismisses Manchester United links to focus on Brighton progress

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 23, 2026, 19:31 IST

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has addressed speculation linking him to the Manchester United job, insisting his full attention remains on his current role and expressing respect for incumbent boss Michael Carrick.

Fabian Hurzeler dismisses Manchester United links to focus on Brighton progress

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler has moved to distance himself from mounting speculation linking him to the Manchester United managerial vacancy. The 33-year-old German coach, who has overseen a vibrant start to the Premier League campaign, stated that his primary focus remains on his current responsibilities at the Amex Stadium.

The rumours regarding Hurzeler’s future have intensified as Manchester United struggles under the leadership of Michael Carrick. The Old Trafford side is currently enduring a difficult seven-game winless streak, a period of poor form that reached a nadir during a 4-1 defeat to Champions League newcomers Como earlier this week. With United potentially facing a mid-season managerial change for the third year in a row, Hurzeler’s tactical success with the Seagulls has seen his name frequently mentioned in connection with the role.

Focus remains on Brighton's domestic campaign

Addressing the media, Hurzeler dismissed the noise surrounding his future, citing the demanding nature of Brighton's fixture schedule as his primary priority. The Seagulls currently occupy third place in the Premier League standings, trailing only Manchester City and Arsenal, with a significant away match against Liverpool approaching this Sunday.

Beyond the logistical demands of his current role, Hurzeler emphasised his personal and professional regard for Carrick. He noted that he holds the United manager in high esteem, particularly for his contributions at the end of the previous season. The Brighton boss highlighted their positive relationship, stating that he has significant respect for Carrick as both a person and a professional, and therefore declined to engage further with the speculative reports.

Building on a strong start

Brighton’s momentum faced a minor hurdle on Thursday, as their scoring streak concluded in a goalless draw against Jablonec in the Europa League. Despite this result, the team’s overall form remains impressive, highlighted by a notable 3-2 comeback victory over Manchester United in the League Cup last month, where they overturned a two-goal deficit at Old Trafford.

Looking ahead, Hurzeler believes there is significant room for growth within his squad. He credited his coaching staff and players for the progress made thus far, stressing the importance of the connections built within the club. He maintained that his focus is entirely on unlocking the potential of his current group, noting that the relationships developed over time at Brighton are not to be taken for granted as they navigate the challenges of a competitive season.