Manchester United manager Michael Carrick’s future is under the spotlight but he could strengthen his struggling squad in the January transfer window
Michael Carrick is feeling the pressure at Manchester United after a dismal start to the season – but transfer reinforcements could aid his cause in January.
The Red Devils salvaged a draw away against Fulham on Sunday, with a late equaliser sparing the club legend from further scrutiny following three games without a win. After suffering defeat to local rivals Manchester City, United lost again and were dumped out of the Carabao Cup at home to Brighton, meaning a defeat at Craven Cottage would have led to fierce criticism of his underachieving side.
With suggested replacements for the former United and England midfielder being discussed, transfer speculation is also now gathering momentum once again as the Premier League giants consider potential reinforcements in the January window, with Carrick having been left short in key departments over the summer. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Conte appointment ‘dismissed’
United’s hierarchy has no intention of sacking Carrick as manager and bringing in Antonio Conte as his replacement.
That’s according to TEAMtalk, who have indicated the club will remain loyal to its embattled coach.
The international break is a favoured period for clubs to make significant managerial changes. And following Sunday’s stalemate at Fulham, the United dugout is looking increasingly uncomfortable for Carrick.
Yet it’s understood the United boardroom remains backing their current boss, reports the Mirror.
Despite claims from Italy suggesting Conte is United’s preferred candidate to succeed Carrick should he leave, TEAMtalk reported there has been no conversation about possible successors.
Conte, 57, remains without a club following his exit from Napoli at the conclusion of last season. The Italian represents an attractive proposition given his previous success in capturing the Premier League title with Chelsea in 2017.
Nevertheless, it seems United are fully committed to Carrick’s vision for now. That said, those at the helm at Old Trafford will certainly require evidence of progress following the international break.
Super agent joins JJ Gabriel case
JJ Gabriel has reportedly secured the backing of agent Ali Barat as his bid to depart United gathers pace.
The representative’s clout could prove crucial to his prospects after allegedly opening doors to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
It came to light last week that Gabriel has asked to be removed from United’s books, which would enable him to seek a transfer elsewhere. Rising stars cannot secure official representation until reaching 16 years of age.
Yet the Manchester Evening News reported Barat is frontrunner to become Gabriel’s representative once he celebrates his 16th birthday on October 6. This is apparently due to his efforts in generating interest from Real and Bayern recently.
Gabriel, who netted a treble in a recent UEFA Youth League encounter against Sabah, has previously attracted attention from Barcelona. Arsenal have also been mentioned as potential suitors as they seek to recruit another promising British youngster to their collection of talents.
United have reportedly turned down Gabriel’s request to be de-registered, leaving both parties in a state of uncertainty for now. Nevertheless, if approved, Gabriel could sign for a continental giant on the condition he secures an EU passport, which he qualifies for through his heritage – a Greek-Cypriot mother and father Joe, who represented the Republic of Ireland.
New striker
Manchester United are said to be monitoring Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy.
TEAMtalk claims the 30-year-old Guinea ace has long been on United’s radar and is one of the Bundesliga’s most prolific forwards who could be attracted to the Premier League in January.
He has scored 64 goals in 102 appearances for Dortmund, attracting the interest of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham, but it’s United who could bring in a veteran goal-getter to support Benjamin Sesko and bolster their attacking options.
Guirassay, who is rated at around £50m, has already got four goals and two assists in his opening four games as Dortmund sit at the top of the table.
He has less than two years remaining on his current contract.