Manchester United have identified a route to appointing Fabian Hürzeler as their next manager despite his initial rejection — while the Red Devils are reportedly preparing a €50m (£42m) offer for an explosive left winger.

Michael Carrick is under huge pressure to turn around performances and results at Old Trafford after a run of just one win in nine matches across all competitions. Bruno Fernandes’s public criticism of the team’s poor pressing tactics has left Carrick in an even weaker position.

Meziesblog understands United are still backing Carrick to resolve the situation, though they are also shortlisting managers in case results do not improve.

Earlier this week, intermediaries working on behalf of United approached Hürzeler to gauge his interest in taking charge. United were warned that the German is happy with his project at Brighton and is not planning to leave for Old Trafford.

But INEOS could still get their man.

Hürzeler timing is key

United’s chances of hiring Hürzeler will increase if they postpone talks until the end of the season, according to trusted German reporter Florian Plettenberg.

“Fabian Hürzeler is on Manchester United’s list, alongside Julian Nagelsmann,” Plettenberg wrote on X. “But his clear priority is to finish the season with Brighton and secure Champions League qualification with the club. Contract until 2029. However, his future could be open in the summer. A next step is possible, with top-level enquiries already in place for one of the most highly rated young coaches.”

Meziesblog can confirm that Unai Emery, Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe and Antonio Conte are all being considered by United as well. Landing Emery would be a dream solution, though it will be very tough to prise him away from Aston Villa.

United plot winger move

Gonçalves is an “explosive” left winger who has managed three goals and one assist in nine appearances for Sporting so far this season.

United and Chelsea are “preparing to test the waters” with bids worth €45–50m (£38–42m) for the 19-year-old. However, Sporting are expected to demand €60m (£50m) for Gonçalves in January.

Sporting also aim to give the Portuguese starlet a new contract that includes a €100m (£84m) release clause.

Carrick at risk of ‘mutiny’

The Telegraph, meanwhile, reports that some of United’s managerial candidates are worried about the behaviour of senior players such as Fernandes and Lisandro Martínez.

They quote a source as saying: “It’s clear they need order and discipline. The dressing room is out of control and that is the first thing to fix.”

A second added: “The players talk too much. United is one of the biggest clubs in the world and that has to be respected.”

Graeme Bailey has urged Carrick to strip Fernandes of the captaincy and give it to another leader in the dressing room.