The football essentials this morning

Manchester United: Carrick under threat

According to BBC Sport and Mundo Deportivo, Manchester United are expected to sack their manager Michael Carrick. The Independent reports that Mauricio Pochettino, head coach of the United States under contract until the 2030 World Cup, would be a serious candidate to succeed him, with the club stuck in the relegation zone. Sky Sports, however, indicates that the board does not want to rush its decision. Manchester United had been held to a draw by Tottenham (1-1), bottom of the Premier League, according to Transfermarkt and Trivela, recording their worst start to a season in 40 years.

Carlos Vicens officially at Lyon

Olympique Lyonnais have made official the arrival of Carlos Vicens as their new head coach, replacing Paulo Fonseca, reports L'Équipe and Mundo Deportivo. The 43-year-old Spanish coach has signed an 18-month contract. According to L'Équipe, he arrives with four assistants and must take on his first challenges.

Barça: Fermin Lopez in the spotlight, Tah targeted

L'Équipe highlights the performance of Fermin Lopez, who scored a brace against Atlético Madrid, describing him as a talent who shines behind FC Barcelona's stars. Furthermore, Mundo Deportivo mentions Tah's return to the Catalan club's radar.

France national team: final gathering of 2026

According to Le Figaro, Zinédine Zidane's Les Bleus have kicked off their final gathering of 2026, with a smiling Mbappé and an on-fire Doué. L'Équipe specifies that Saël Kumbedi, a Wolfsburg player in the German second division, has been called up to replace Pierre Kalulu in the squad.

Galatasaray: Batrakov, the man in form

According to Sözcü, the integration of Russian Batrakov into the starting eleven has allowed Galatasaray to string together five wins in the Süper Lig and shine in the Champions League. Hürriyet Spor, however, mentions a double concern at the club.

OM: Genesio protects Paixao

According to RMC Sport, Bruno Genesio has come to the rescue of Igor Paixao, deemed inconsistent but "committed". L'Équipe analyses how the Marseille coach is doing OM good. But Football Club and Onze Mondial indicated that two youth academy players, Milan Leccese and Antoine Valero, could join the squad.

Juventus: Spalletti faces the comeback

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, all the big teams are pulling away from Juventus, who must take one more step to attempt the comeback. Tuttosport points to a "worrying phenomenon" and cites Lucumí as a symbol of the difficulties, as well as an ungiven penalty against Fiorentina.