The managers who have said no to Man Utd job in past 12 months including Fabian Hurzeler

A number of high-profile managers have been linked with the Manchester United job in recent times, but many have distanced themselves from one of the most challenging roles in world football.

The managerial hot seat at Old Trafford has become something of a poisoned chalice since Sir Alex Ferguson called time on his career.

In fact, United have appointed 10 managers, both permanent and interim, since Ferguson's departure in 2013, with current boss Michael Carrick being the latest to find himself under an increasing amount of pressure.

Carrick, who led United to Champions League football last season in what many deemed a successful interim spell, was appointed on a permanent basis in May.

However, after an unconvincing transfer window that did little to address the club's weaknesses, Carrick now finds himself fighting for his future following a dismal seven-match winless run.

The managers who have said no to Man Utd job in past 12 months

With Carrick's future in doubt, a number of managers have been linked with the job, including Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler.

Hurzeler is said to be one of the names 'appreciated' in case Carrick leaves, according to talkSPORT, although the German boss is not interested in leaving the Amex for Old Trafford.

Hurzeler has been linked with the Man Utd job. Image credit: Getty

Julian Nagelsmann is also said to be one of the leading contenders, while Eddie Howe, Antonio Conte and Julian Nagelsmann are also being mentioned as possibilities.

Hurzeler, meanwhile, isn't the only coach to distance themselves from the United job over the past 12 months.

United are said to have made contact with Simone Inzaghi in January but the Italian, who is currently in charge of Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, is believed to have said no, according to Tuttosport.

Like the previously mentioned Hurzeler, Cesc Fabregas is also admired by those behind the scenes at Old Trafford but again, the highly-rated coach has previously turned down an approach.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano confirmed United's interest in Fabregas.

"Before that decision [to appoint CarrIck], when they were considering coaches, Cesc Fabregas, who destroyed Man United with Como, was really appreciated by Man United," he said.

"But Fabregas was in any case not going to become the new United coach for one reason. Fabregas is completely involved in the Como project. Fabregas is in love with the Como project, and so Fabregas was never going to leave in summer 2026."

As well as the above, Roberto De Zerbi played down a potential move to United in January after being asked about the club's interest during his spell at Marseille.

Man Utd's stance on sacking Michael Carrick emerges

Michael Carrick is expected to remain in charge for Sunday's Premier League clash against Bournemouth at Old Trafford, according to BBC Sport.

It is claimed that 'some senior figures' at United believe that Carrick has been 'let down' by players who are 'under-performing', and accept that 'chopping and changing managers' in recent years has not delivered stability or long-term success.

There is also said to be an 'appreciation' - it is unclear as to what extent - of United's progress last season under Carrick's management, though that clearly hasn't translated to the current season.

But significantly, United have 'already begun the process of identifying possible replacements' for Carrick.