Carrick hits back at the sack talk
Michael Carrick is not worried about his job. Asked about the speculation around his future, he called it ridiculous (3) (12). He also took the blame himself.
"I don't think at all about how much time I have in the job. Not the slightest. It is crazy to have to think about that," he said (12).
He is under pressure. Four points from four league games, a 0–1 home defeat to Manchester City on Sunday, and the start he admitted he expected at some point (2) (3). His message: United can work through it (2).
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Jason Wilcox has reached a decision on Carrick (10).
JJ Gabriel is in Barcelona
The academy's biggest talent has taken a concrete step out of the door. JJ Gabriel has travelled to Barcelona for talks over a move, per Ben Jacobs (9).
Real Madrid and Barcelona are the favourites, with Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham and Paris Saint-Germain also in the picture. Pete O'Rourke's read: a move to Europe is the most likely route (4).
United would be looking at a minimal compensation figure if he goes (10). He is 17. Gary Lineker and Micah Richards both reacted to the news this week (1).
Gabriel missed the U21s' game on Friday while he was in Spain (7).
Ajayi signs, so the pipeline is not empty
Noah Ajayi has agreed a professional contract. The 17-year-old winger is set to sign officially soon, and he is rated very highly inside the club (5).
United have secured one of their top academy prospects while Gabriel pushes to leave (5).
U21s 3–2 Brentford, and they are still perfect
United U21s beat Brentford U21s 3–2 at Leigh Sports Village on Friday, keeping a 100% record in Premier League 2 (6) (7).
Victor Musa scored the winner. Yuel Helafu was the standout, Amir Ibragimov and Helafu got the other goals on the night (6). Adam Lawrence's side were without Gabriel, who is in Spain (7).
Fulham away is next, and Arbeloa is up for it
United go to Fulham on Sunday, 17:30 CEST. Alvaro Arbeloa wants the same intensity from his side that they showed against Liverpool, the recent draw at Anfield that gave him his first point as head coach (11).
United sit 13th with four points from four games. Form: L W D W L.
Two midfielders on the watchlist
United are monitoring Bayer Leverkusen's Ibrahim Maza, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Atletico Madrid also interested in the attacking midfielder (8) (14).
Felix Nmecha is another name on the list. The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is wanted by Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle too (15).
Malacia has a new club
Tyrell Malacia has joined FC Cincinnati as a free agent after leaving United. Sporting director Chris Albright called his ball-playing, defensive instincts and team-first attitude a welcome addition (13).
Fan reactions
The mood on r/reddevils is split between the senior mess and the U21s. The academy win over Brentford U21s drew the most noise, with goal clips for Amir Ibragimov, Yuel Helafu and Victor Musa racking up comments, and the U21 XI thread filling up before kick-off on MUTV. It is the one part of the club that feels easy to enjoy right now.
