Unbelievable - Stefan Borson: Man United 'ruled out' of Fabian Hurzeler race due to cost
Manchester United are unlikely to be able to Fabian Hurzeler as Michael Carrick's replacement in a "ridiculous" turn of events.
That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that Man United would be priced out of appointing the Seagulls' boss with their financial model.
Carrick is under huge pressure at Old Trafford, with the voices calling for his head only getting louder after the 4-1 defeat to Como midweek.
It has been confirmed that he will be in charge for the Red Devils' clash with Bournemouth on Sunday, 25 October, despite the ongoing rumours.
Attention has turned to who could replace him, with Hurzeler emerging as a primary target for both United and Tottenham Hotspur, thanks to his recent success at the Amex Stadium.
Gareth Southgate, Unai Emery and Eddie Howe are all admirered by Man United, and they all appear more likely options given the latest on Hurzeler.
'£25m price tag shouldn't put Man United off, but it will'
It has been revealed that Hurzeler's contract with Brighton includes no release clause, meaning that any interest suitors will have to pay a record fee for his signature.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson has safely ruled Man United out of the race for the 33-year-old due to the club's lack of spending.
"If they are pursuing this continued austerity drive, then yes, they will be ruled out. It seems to me ridiculous that they wouldn't go for their first-pick manager," he said.
"Herzeler has said he doesn't want to go. I don't know whether that's true or not, but that's what's been reported, which obviously rules it out completely anyway.
"But let's say it was the case that they needed to find £25million for Brighton compensation.
"It seems like a crazy situation for a club like Manchester United to reject a manager based on, effectively, a £25m transfer fee, but that does seem to be where they are."
How does Fabian Hurzeler feel about joining Man United?
Even if Man United made the finances available to sign Hurzeler, there is still no guarantee that the manager would want to leave the Seagulls.
And that is exactly the problem that the Red Devils are facing, it would appear.
According to Ben Jacobs, the 33-year-old has no desire to swap life at Brighton for the chaotic atmosphere at Old Trafford.
It is understood that Julian Nagelsmann is viewed as the next-best option, and given that he's currently without a club, it would make sense for Man United.