Fabian Hurzeler insists he is “fully focused” on building on his impressive work at Brighton amid links with Manchester United.
The German manager, 33, is admired by members of Old Trafford hierarchy due to Brighton’s excellent start to the Premier League season.
Brighton sit third, with the Seagulls thrashing the champions Arsenal 3-0 and also knocking United out of the Carabao Cup.
Hurzeler would sit high on United’s list of replacements if they take the decision to part ways with the under-fire Michael Carrick.
United, however, are aware that Hurzeler signed a new long-term contract with Brighton in May, tying him to the club until 2029.
It would therefore require another Premier League team to pay a significant compensation fee but Hurzeler said his work at the club is not finished.
“I’m fully focused on my job here,” Hurzeler told a press conference on Friday. “I’ve got no time to think about these rumours because we play every three days.
“I have a lot of respect for Michael Carrick and the job he has done at Manchester United the last season. He's a great human being, a great personality, and I really respect him.
“There's nothing more to say about that."
Only leaders Manchester City and champions Arsenal have picked up more points than Brighton over the first seven games of the Premier League.
They have also scored 23 goals – four more than City, who have the second-most in the league – and have won four in a row in the competition.
The Seagulls travel to Liverpool on Sunday and Hurzeler believes his Brighton team can continue to aim high in the Premier League.
“I’m really privileged to be here,” Hurzeler said. “I’m part of a journey and I still have this feeling when I go to bed that we are not finished with our journey.
“I always emphasise that I’m not 100 per cent satisfied and happy with where we are, there are still improvements to make and potential to get out of the players.
“Therefore I really I want to work with that together with my staff. I have a great group of players, players who support me and give everything for the club.
“We have built this [together] over the years. We’ve had good periods, we’ve had bad periods. To build these connections you need time. You don’t take these things for granted.
“It’s a people business. Making a people business out of this pressure business is something I don’t take for granted and something I won’t throw away that fast.”