United have made their call on Conte
Manchester United have reached a decision on Antonio Conte after his latest comments (1). Michael Carrick is under real pressure following an underwhelming start to 2026/27, with one win in five Premier League games (1). United sit 12th on 5 points from 5, goal difference zero.
The Conte noise has been building for weeks. United have now closed the door on it, per the latest reporting (1).
Tottenham at home, then Madrid, Leeds and Como
Tottenham Hotspur visit on Saturday, October 10 in the Premier League. Carrick needs a result.
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The week after is heavier: Atlético Madrid away in the Champions League on Tuesday, October 13, then Leeds United away on Sunday, October 18, then Como away on Wednesday, October 21. Three away trips in nine days after the Spurs game. That is the spell that decides how this season reads.
The injury list is the real problem
The squad is thin and getting thinner. Matthijs de Ligt, Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte, Benjamin Sesko, Marcus Rashford, Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui are all dealing with injuries at the same time (6).
Finnish outlet sportti.com did not hold back: "Tässähän on sopan ainekset Carrickin potkuille," which means there is the makings of a stew for Carrick's sacking (6). The injury pile-up is making the run of fixtures harder, not easier (6).
Succession plans are already on paper
United are preparing for the worst case if Carrick's form does not turn (9). Succession planning is in place, and Carlos Baleba is named among the possible moves (9). Eddie Howe and Ruben Amorim also appear in the reporting (9).
At the same time, United have been told that sacking Carrick is not the answer, with a former star warning that INEOS risk letting the club fall drastically behind its rivals (4).
McTominay wants to think it through
Scott McTominay has not renewed with Napoli and is open to a Premier League return (2). Journalist Giovanni Scotto: "He hasn't renewed with Napoli and wants to think things through. Manchester United and Aston Villa have shown some interest, but McTominay intends to wait" (2).
Real Madrid have also made a surprise enquiry for him (3). That complicates any Old Trafford return. Napoli are reportedly considering a 'gentleman's agreement' in his deal to let him leave for United (2).
JJ Gabriel: PSG pushing, United offering
PSG have accelerated talks with United's 16-year-old academy forward JJ Gabriel over a move as early as this winter (5). Bayern Munich are in too, holding further talks with his representatives, but Gabriel favours Real Madrid and Barcelona (11).
There is no professional contract, so a move abroad would cost the buying club only a small training compensation of roughly €230,000 to €350,000. In pounds, around £350,000 (10)(7)(13). United have made a fresh scholarship offer to try to keep him (12).
Winger and left-back on the radar
United are "totally convinced" about signing Assane Diao and have enquired about Club Brugge left-back Joaquin Seys (8). Diao is a breakout winger, with a €50m price floated (8).
Further out, United are among the clubs monitoring PSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz, with Chelsea preparing a €70m offer (14). Noni Madueke, Jarrell Quansah, Luke Shaw, Lewis Hall and Julian Alvarez also feature in the rumour round-up (8).
