Former Brighton striker Dean Saunders believes Fabian Hurzeler is on course for a major managerial move, but has warned him against taking the Manchester United job while Michael Carrick remains under pressure.
Hurzeler has impressed since arriving at Brighton from St Pauli in 2024. The German coach has guided the club to some notable results, including a recent Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford and progress to the league stage of the UEFA Conference League.
His work has now led to links with the Manchester United job, but Saunders believes the 33-year-old should be careful about making that move.
“If he carries on going the way he’s going, Brighton are going to find it hard to keep him,” Saunders told Sussex World.
Saunders fears Manchester United could hurt Hurzeler
Saunders believes Hurzeler is eventually destined for a bigger club but questioned whether United would be the right destination at this stage of his career.
“If I’m in Fabian Hurzeler’s position now, is it the right time to take over Manchester United? It seems to be a graveyard for managers,” he said.
The former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker also pointed towards United’s defensive problems, arguing that the club are still relying on players who have not proved capable of solving their issues.
Saunders acknowledged that United have made attacking additions, praising Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo while also backing Benjamin Sesko to score goals.
However, he believes there are still major problems for any new manager to solve.
“Taking over that Manchester United team right now for Fabian Hurzeler would be jumping into the fire,” Saunders added.
