Papers: Conte tells Man Utd he's ready to take over if Carrick sacked

Key points

• Antonio Conte has signalled to Manchester United that he would be interested in the manager's job if Michael Carrick is sacked.
• Lisandro Martinez is reportedly reluctant to sign a new Manchester United contract after criticising the board's lack of ambition.
• Roy Keane has accused Manchester United's dressing room leaders of prioritising podcasting over enforcing discipline.

Antonio Conte has let Manchester United's bosses know he would be interested in taking over as manager if the club decides to dismiss Michael Carrick, according to the Daily Mirror. The report leads Friday's newspaper round-up of football stories and transfer rumours.

Other Manchester United items include The Sun's claim that Lisandro Martinez is reluctant to extend his contract after his outburst over the board's lack of ambition. The Sun also reports that Martinez's anger was triggered by Ayden Heaven being made to play at left back.

What pundits said

Roy Keane has accused Manchester United's dressing room leaders of being too busy podcasting to enforce discipline, the Daily Mail reports. Ander Herrera, meanwhile, has told critics to stop attacking Bruno Fernandes and to show the captain more respect, per the Daily Mirror.

Former United player Paul Parker has said he would not sign Erling Haaland at Old Trafford, according to The Sun.

very difficult

— Cristiano Ronaldo's sister

Transfer and other news

In the Premier League, the Daily Mail says Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite is admired by Manchester United, with Bournemouth and France player Adrien Truffert also on their radar. The Daily Mirror reports that Mikel Merino credits a players-only meeting after last season's draw with Wolves with pushing Arsenal towards the title.

In Scottish football, the Scottish Sun reports that Celtic's Michel-Ange Balikwisha has accused the club of ruining his World Cup dream by refusing him a loan last season. Thelo Aasgaard says he did not hesitate to leave Rangers for Anderlecht, and Scott Brown has said he misses the day-to-day life of management after previously turning down Cheltenham Town.

Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo's sister says his return to the Portugal squad would be very difficult, the Daily Mirror reports. The Daily Mail says Alex Scott has left her presenting role on Disney+'s Women's Champions League coverage weeks after launching the show The Hangout.