Carrick's job on the line against Spurs
Michael Carrick is under real pressure before Saturday's game. Manchester United have won one league match this season, and Tottenham Hotspur come to Old Trafford on Saturday, October 10 (12). United sit 12th on five points from five games. Carrick's side rescued the 1–1 at Fulham on September 20 (12). Spurs are without Micky van de Ven, Pedro Porro and Xavi Simons, with Benjamin Sesko, Matthijs de Ligt and Kobbie Mainoo out for United (4).
Bruno is the man Spurs have to stop
Jamie Vardy called Bruno Fernandes "frightening" (9). "As a player, he's frightening," the former Leicester striker said (9). Fernandes is United's captain and Saturday's biggest threat.
Baleba has already won over the staff
Carlos Baleba is settling fast at Carrington. "He's training well, he's been taken to the players quickly, and the staff love his character," one source said. "He is one of the funniest guys at the club" (6). Yes, that's a direct quote. United chased Baleba in the summer of 2025 when Brighton wanted over £100m (6).
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Martinez deal talk, Shaw talks later
United are weighing the 12-month option in Lisandro Martinez's contract. Take it and he stays until June 2028 instead of 2027 (2). Fabrizio Romano: "At the moment, the situation is under control. The conversations will take place, for sure, in the next few months" (2). Luke Shaw is out of contract next summer, but the club plans talks with their first-choice left-back in early 2027 (3).
Zirkzee price up, window is open
Joshua Zirkzee's Nations League goal has changed the picture. United have raised his asking price to €35m with Serie A interest back on the table (7). His side's line: "The striker's priority is consistent playing time. In the coming months, we'll see if he can get more playing time, otherwise a transfer will be considered in January" (7).
Olmo watched, but not in January
United are monitoring Dani Olmo. Barcelona have set their January asking price and Bayern Munich are in too (1). A January move is ruled out (1).
Kofane enquiries, Matanovic wants in
United have made official enquiries for Christian Kofane. The Bayer Leverkusen striker has stalled contract talks, reportedly unhappy with his signing-on fee (13). Freiburg's Igor Matanovic is keen on Old Trafford if the chance comes (10).
The rest of the gossip
Liverpool are fighting United for a £60m-rated Premier League defender (5). Fulham's Josh King, 19, is on the radar, with Barcelona now watching him too (8) (16). Adrien Truffert is another name in Thursday's gossip (14). Como's Lucas Da Cunha is being tracked for next season (15). Bayern, Real Madrid, Barcelona and PSG are all circling United youngster JJ Gabriel (11). United remain the only Big Six club never to spend £100m on a player, with Paul Pogba still the record signing (17).
What is next
After Spurs, it gets harder. United go to Atlético Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, October 13 (12).
