Manchester United could look to United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino to replace Michael Carrick, according to The Standard, with the club in the Premier League relegation zone. The managerial speculation comes alongside reports that United are exploring defensive additions and scouting possible signings in goal and attack.
Pochettino, whose previous Premier League jobs include Tottenham and Chelsea, signed a contract extension with the United States in August that runs until 2030. That agreement could make a move more complicated. The Standard also names Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann as candidates on United's reported shortlist. Both are free agents, with Howe previously managing Newcastle United and Nagelsmann having coached Germany, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig.
United's search for defensive reinforcements includes Nottingham Forest's Murillo, Football Insider reports. The 24-year-old Brazil international arrived from Corinthians in 2023 for approximately €6 million and could now command a fee around 10 times that amount. United have also been linked with Manchester City left back Rayan Aït-Nouri, 25, after emerging as unexpected suitors late in the summer. A January transfer would be the first direct move between the Manchester rivals since 2012.
According to Nicolò Schira, United also sent scouts to watch Atalanta face Monza. Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, 26, is among the players they have been monitoring and is under contract until 2028. Monza forward Gustavo Varela is another reported target. The 21-year-old has attracted interest from several clubs after scoring nine times in 10 Serie A appearances.
Elsewhere, Fabrizio Romano has dismissed speculation that Lionel Messi could leave Inter Miami. The 39-year-old has been linked with a return to Argentine club Newell's Old Boys, where he spent part of his academy career. His Miami contract extends through 2028, and Romano reports that he is expected to remain in MLS for the next two years before weighing further options.
Lens center back Ismaelo Ganiou is drawing attention from Tottenham and Chelsea, according to TEAMtalk. The 21-year-old has made 37 senior appearances since joining the French club last summer. Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Newcastle, Fulham and Brentford are also reportedly monitoring his development as the two London clubs consider longer-term defensive investments.
Liverpool, meanwhile, could face a wait over Ronald Araújo's future. Sport reports that the defender wants to defer a decision on a permanent transfer until the season ends, although Liverpool's loan agreement with Barcelona includes a €55 million purchase clause that could be activated in January. Football Insider also reports that Kostas Tsimikas is expected to depart when his contract expires next summer, with Liverpool assessing replacements and Milos Kerkez the first-choice left back.
At Crystal Palace, Thomas Frank is a leading candidate to take over if the club dismisses Pierre Sage during the international break, according to Sky Sports. Palace are bottom of the Premier League after collecting seven points from their first 10 matches.
