Manchester United boss Michael Carrick is under growing pressure to turn form around at Old Trafford as speculation swirls regarding JJ Gabriel's future
Michael Carrick, head coach / manager of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford
Michael Carrick's position as Man United manager is reportedly at serious risk(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Michael Carrick's future as Manchester United manager looks uncertain heading into the international break. A 1-1 draw away to Fulham on Sunday stretched the club's winless streak to three games as the Premier League hits the pause button.
Following successive losses to Manchester City and Brighton, United sit 12th in the table and are already out of the EFL Cup. However, it looks like fans will get their clarity on what the coaching situation looks like in time for the return to play in three weeks.
Transfer talk is also building once more as United eye up some potential upgrades in the winter window. Mirror Football looks at all that and more in the latest round-up of the biggest United headlines this week.
Conte move 'ruled out'
United's board is not planning to remove Carrick as manager and replace him with Antonio Conte. That's according to TEAMtalk, who have suggested the club will stick by its under-fire coach.
The international window is a popular time for clubs to make major managerial decisions. And after Sunday's draw at Fulham, the United hot seat is looking warmer than ever for Carrick.
However, it's reported that the United hierarchy is nonetheless committed to their incumbent boss. Despite reports in Italy suggesting Conte is United's No. 1 choice to replace Carrick if he departs, TEAMtalk reported there has been no discussion regarding potential replacements.
Content Image
Content Image
Conte, 57, remains a free agent after departing Napoli at the end of last season. The Italian is a desirable target given he's already lifted the Premier League crown at Chelsea in 2017.
Nonetheless, it appears United remains all in on Carrick's project for the time being. That being said, those in charge at Old Trafford will undoubtedly need to see some improvement after the international break if they're to maintain that position.
Super agent joins JJ Gabriel case
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United arrives in Stockholm for a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid on July 31, 2026 in Stockholm, Sweden
JJ Gabriel has become increasingly linked with a move away from United(Image: Getty)
View 2 Images
JJ Gabriel has reportedly enlisted the services of agent Ali Barat as his attempts to leave United escalate. And the intermediary's influence could prove vital to his future after reportedly unlocking links to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
It emerged last week that Gabriel has requested to be de-registered at United, which would allow him to pursue a move elsewhere. Emerging prospects are not permitted official representation until they turn 16.
However, the Manchester Evening News reported Barat is in pole position to become Gabriel's agent once he turns 16 on October 6. That's supposedly thanks to his work in attracting the interest of Real and Bayern of late.
Gabriel, who recently scored a hat-trick in a UEFA Youth League clash against Sabah, has already been courted by Barcelona over the years. Arsenal have also been linked as they look to add another bright British talent to their stable of gems.
United have reportedly rejected Gabriel's request to be de-registered, with the two parties in limbo for the time being. However, if granted, Gabriel could join a continental superpower provided he obtains an EU passport, which he is eligible for through his parents, a Greek-Cypriot mother and a father, Joe, who played for the Republic of Ireland.
Join our MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.