Carrick's job under scrutiny as United stall on 15-year-old Gabriel's exit request

Manchester United enter the international break under mounting pressure, sitting 12th in the Premier League after a run of three games without a win that has put Michael Carrick’s position under scrutiny. Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham followed defeats to Manchester City and Brighton, and the club has also already exited the EFL Cup.

A clearer picture of Carrick’s future is expected to emerge before United return to competitive action in three weeks. According to TEAMtalk, however, the club’s hierarchy is not currently considering replacing him — reports from Italy linking Antonio Conte to the role have been played down, with the United board said to remain committed to its manager for now.

Gabriel enlists prominent agent amid Old Trafford standoff

Off the pitch, a separate saga is developing around 15-year-old academy prospect JJ Gabriel. The teenager has reportedly secured the services of agent Ali Barat as he seeks to leave United, with the intermediary said to have already generated interest from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich on Gabriel’s behalf.

Gabriel recently scored a hat-trick in a UEFA Youth League match against Sabah and has previously attracted attention from Barcelona, while Arsenal are also said to be monitoring him as they look to strengthen their pool of young British talent.

The player has formally requested to be de-registered at United — a step that would allow him to explore moves elsewhere — but the club has reportedly refused that request, leaving both parties at an impasse. Under current regulations, young players cannot secure official representation until they turn 16, meaning Barat is expected to formally become Gabriel’s agent when he reaches that milestone on 6 October.

Should United eventually approve the de-registration, Gabriel could join a club on the continent provided he obtains an EU passport, which he is entitled to through his parents — a Greek-Cypriot mother and a father, Joe, who represented the Republic of Ireland internationally.

United are also said to be assessing potential January transfer targets as the window approaches, though no specific signings have been confirmed.