Manchester United have made contact with former France manager Didier Deschamps regarding their vacant managerial position, according to BBC Sport. The approach comes as current manager Michael Carrick's position remains under scrutiny, though significant backing for the 44-year-old persists within the club's hierarchy.
Deschamps, who departed Marseille in 2012 and has not managed a club since, appears uninterested in the Old Trafford role. Reports indicate that United have won just once in their opening nine Premier League matches, creating pressure on the managerial position. However, influential figures at the club continue to support Carrick, with the upcoming fixture against Aston Villa viewed as a pivotal moment in determining his future.
What does the Villa match mean for Carrick?
Manchester United are scheduled to host Aston Villa on Sunday, November 8, at Old Trafford, with kick-off listed as 11:30 a.m. ET. The result is expected to carry significant weight in discussions about Carrick's tenure. Recent form has shown some improvement, with United mounting a remarkable comeback to defeat Roma 3–2 in the Champions League after trailing 2–0, which has eased some of the immediate pressure surrounding the manager.
Which other managerial candidates are being considered?
United's technical director Jason Wilcox has reportedly identified Eddie Howe as his preferred replacement should Carrick's position become untenable. The club is also evaluating alternatives including Julian Nagelsmann, Unai Emery and Antonio Conte as potential successors.
Who are the transfer targets across the Premier League?
Arsenal are among several European clubs tracking Club Brugge striker Nicolo Tresoldi, the 22-year-old Germany Under-21s international. Tresoldi recently scored in Brugge's 2–1 away victory over PSV, and one assessment suggests the Belgian club may demand at least €50 million, with a competitive bidding process anticipated next summer.
Both Arsenal and Manchester United are monitoring Bournemouth midfielder Marcus Tavernier, 27, as a potential acquisition. Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are all keeping watch on Eintracht Frankfurt defender Nnamdi Collins, 22, a Germany international. Liverpool are preparing to intensify their pursuit of Fenerbahce full-back Archie Brown, 24, an English player currently based in Turkey.
Newcastle United have identified England striker Ivan Toney, 30, as a January target, with the player currently at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli. Eintracht Frankfurt are hopeful of bringing back Nottingham Forest's French forward Arnaud Kalimuendo, 24, to the Bundesliga.
What is happening with established stars?
Tottenham retain the right to match any bid made for England striker Harry Kane, 33, as part of his new contract arrangement at Bayern Munich. Bayern's reported new deal for Kane runs to 2029 and is worth approximately £400,000 per week; Tottenham's matching right would apply only if Bayern chose to sell and Kane wanted to return.
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, 34, is attracting interest from Flamengo in his native Brazil. AC Milan are in discussions with France midfielder Adrien Rabiot, 31, regarding a contract extension. Roma are considering Chelsea's English winger Jamie Gittens, 22, as one of several options to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window.
