Man United 'watching' Fabian Hurzeler closely
Manchester United have set their sights on Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler in case they are forced to sack Michael Carrick.
Carrick is believed to retain the full support of the Old Trafford board, but after a slow start to the Premier League season, there are concerns they may be left with no choice.
Brighton's performances this season, meanwhile, have placed their manager on the radar of every top club in Europe, who have been wowed by what they have seen.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Hurzeler would be the "ideal" candidate to replace Carrick if he could replicate his Brighton success.
They are among a number of clubs keeping a close eye on the manager's progress, with Brighton's free-scoring form and defensive resilience placing them second in the league.
While Man United have no plans to act on their managerial situation as things stand, there is a feeling that Hurzeler could be approached if they must make a change.
Could Man United approach Fabian Hurzeler?
Brown told Football Insider last month that Man United are "very keen" on Hurzeler and have been long-term admirers of the highly-regarded Brighton manager.
Following the Seagulls' 3-2 win after having been 2-0 down at Old Trafford, many of the higher-ups at Man United are believed to have been impressed by the boss.
Amid ongoing speculation about Carrick's future in the dugout, there is a growing feeling that Hurzeler could be the dream candidate to take over.
"Fabian Hurzeler is receiving a lot of praise for what he's doing at Brighton at the moment," Brown told Football Insider.
"He has them playing some very good football and winning games, and when that's happening at a club like Brighton, there will be a lot of top clubs watching him closely.
"Man United are bound to be among them, he has got admirers at Old Trafford of course, so if they decide to move on from Carrick then he is somebody they could approach.
"If he could get this United side playing how his Brighton team have been, then he would be the ideal candidate, because they're scoring lots of goals and they don't score many.
"It isn't as easy as that, of course, because there will be lots of different elements that they have to consider, but from a footballing standpoint, he is certainly an option."
How do Brighton feel about losing Hurzeler?
Despite the growing speculation about Hurzeler and the clubs taking a look at his situation, he remains under contract at Brighton, who will not want to lose their manager.
The German penned a three-year contract at the Amex in May, with the club showing their commitment to his long-term project, and they are now being rewarded for their faith.
Football Insider revealed on 19 October that Brighton are relaxed about Hurzeler's future although they are not surprised by the potential interest in his services.
As things stand, there has been no contact from any club about the manager's position, and Brighton hope it will stay that way for the foreseeable future.
Hurzeler's stock has risen dramatically in recent months, and the Seagulls are eager to ensure he can lead them to success, as they hope to keep hold of him long-term.