United face Carrick uncertainty and Gabriel impasse at break

Manchester United enter a three-week international break with manager Michael Carrick's position under scrutiny after a 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday extended the club's winless run to three matches. The result, following defeats to Manchester City and Brighton, leaves United 12th in the Premier League table, with the club already eliminated from the EFL Cup. United's board does not plan to dismiss Carrick or appoint Antonio Conte in his place, according to reporting relayed across multiple accounts, which indicated the club intends to back its manager and has held no conversations about potential successors. Reports from Italy have separately claimed Conte is United's top choice to replace Carrick should he depart. Conte, 57, has been without a club since leaving Napoli at the end of last season and won the Premier League title with Chelsea in 2017. A clearer picture of Carrick's position is expected to emerge before United return to competitive action in three weeks. Off the pitch, academy prospect JJ Gabriel, 15, has requested deregistration from United in an effort to explore opportunities elsewhere.