Man Utd information: Transfer goal ‘in limbo’ as Michael Carrick warned ‘we have seen sufficient’
Manchester United have made their worst start to a season since 1986 and Michael Carrick knows his job will soon be at stake if things don’t improve
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United continue to struggle
Manchester United have made their worst start to a season in four decades and Michael Carrick knows he must find solutions.
The Red Devils are slumped 13th in the Premier League with their lowest points total after six games since 1986. On Saturday evening, they threw away a win when they allowed 10-man Tottenham to grab an injury time equaliser in a 1-1 draw against the side bottom of the division.
Carrick and his squad jet off to Spain for a Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, ready to face a stern test against Diego Simeone’s La Liga giants. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford, including a transfer update.
JJ Gabriel wants to leave Manchester United(Image: Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Bayern leave Gabriel in limbo
The encouraging development for JJ Gabriel and his camp is that Bayern Munich have shown interest in securing his signature after allegedly opening discussions to land the player.
The disappointing aspect is they’ve yet to table a formal bid from the Bundesliga powerhouse as the January transfer window draws nearer.
According to Sky Sport in Germany, Die Roten are seeking assurances from the player initially. Though that could prove challenging in the current climate given speculation he prefers a switch to Spain, with Barcelona and Real Madrid also reportedly keen.
It’s hardly surprising that Gabriel, who celebrated his 16th birthday this month, and his representatives are desperately hunting for an escape route from Old Trafford, reports the Mirror.
United have apparently knocked back the teenager’s plea to be deregistered from the club, blocking his potential departure elsewhere.
Everything hinges on whether Gabriel manages to secure a European Union passport, enabling him to obtain an EU work permit. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t prove problematic, as he’s chasing a Cypriot passport while also having prospects of acquiring Irish documentation.
United are reportedly determined to retain their wonderkid despite relations between the club and player completely breaking down. This allegedly originates from Gabriel’s camp demanding stronger assurances of first-team opportunities that were completely disregarded.
Carrick urged to shake up midfield
Michael Carrick’s Manchester United are in crisis(Image: Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Following the backlash from Saturday’s frustrating stalemate against Spurs at home, United legend Gary Neville has demanded changes. Particularly in midfield, where he believes the club has already “seen enough” of Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans as a midfield partnership.
The central duo were scarcely the sole players to endure forgettable performances for United last weekend . Yet Neville would prefer to witness alternative pairings tested and suggested Carlos Baleba might provide one solution after catching the eye as a substitute.
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, he said: “[The team is] not running enough, they’re not showing enough tenacity, determination and fighting spirit. The boos tell you they are really despondent with what they are watching.”
Neville went on: “Tielemans and Mainoo, I think we’ve seen enough of it now. Not calling time on it, that’s probably too drastic. But I’ve seen enough of it to think, ‘That’s not dynamic enough to play at this football club in the Premier League’.
Tielemans endured a difficult evening against Tottenham(Image: Getty Images)
“They’re both good players, by the way. But sometimes they don’t knit together or suit together, when Baleba came on that looked like a lot more energy. But the rest of them will have to get a grip.”
Mainoo surrendered possession five times at Old Trafford on Saturday, more than any other player on the pitch. Meanwhile, Tielemans managed just 81% of his passes in what proved a sloppy afternoon ‘s work.
Baleba could be given a more significant role after shaking off an injury to make his club bow against Spurs. Fellow summer arrival Andrey Santos remained on the bench against Tottenham, as did Mason Mount.
