Manchester United have sacked Michael Carrick as manager following Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth, which extended the club's winless run to eight matches. The decision comes just five months after Carrick was appointed permanent manager on a two-year deal.
Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January and led United to a strong end to the 2025/26 campaign, qualifying for the Champions League, but has been unable to sustain that form. United have won just one of their first eight league matches, with seven points leaving them 16th in the Premier League.
Pressure mounts after Champions League loss
The former midfielder was close to dismissal after Wednesday's 4-0 Champions League defeat at Cesc Fabregas' Como, and the mood worsened after the loss at Old Trafford. Reports from Sky Sports said Carrick's tenure was "hanging by a thread," with an expectation he could be relieved of his duties in the coming days.
Eddie Howe is the clear favourite to take over, with Julian Nagelsmann, out of work since leaving the German national team after the World Cup, reportedly sounded out as an option. Antonio Conte is also out of work and has made no secret of his desire for the job.
Arsenal lead race for Lennart Karl
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are monitoring Bayern Munich youngster Lennart Karl amid uncertainty over his development. The 18-year-old has struggled for regular minutes this season after an impressive breakthrough campaign. According to TEAMtalk, intermediaries have contacted potential suitors, with Karl's situation potentially becoming a major transfer story in 2027. Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeness has warned the teenager to remain humble, insisting comparisons with Michael Olise are premature.
Other transfer news and rumours
Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Kylian Mbappe's situation and have been linked with a return for former defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is considering his future at Real Madrid after growing frustrated with his lack of playing time. Chelsea are said to be competing for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, and have also been linked with Como's Nico Paz after his Champions League performance against Manchester United.
Tottenham are linked with Real Madrid forward Endrick and have looked into signing ex-Chelsea pair Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek when their AC Milan contracts expire. Arsenal are reportedly considering a January move for Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi, valued at around £42m, and could fight Liverpool for Brentford forward Kevin Schade, who would demand a fee in excess of £60m.
Arsenal are said to be targeting Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi and Atletico Madrid midfielder Alex Baena. Chelsea sold Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City and missed out on signing Lamine Camara from Monaco on Deadline Day, before captain Reece James suffered a knee injury requiring surgery that is expected to keep him out until mid-January.
