Manchester United’s problems are mounting on and off the pitch during a turbulent international break for under pressure manager Michael Carrick
Manchester United have had a dismal start to the season, with serious areas of concern growing both on and off the field.
Michael Carrick’s squad have managed to secure victories in just two of their first seven matches across all competitions, entering the international break slumped in 12th place in the Premier League, after being dumped out of the Carabao Cup at home by Brighton. Losses have also been suffered at the hands of newly-promoted Hull City and local rivals Manchester City, while a late equaliser from Matheus Cunha was needed to prevent another loss against Fulham on Sunday.
The only wins have come against Ipswich Town and Champions League minnows Sabah. Meanwhile, off-field problems have added to the strain. Injuries – including a new one for Benjamin Sesko – have hindered progress, while the turmoil surrounding unsettled teen prodigy JJ Gabriel has proved an unwelcome distraction. Here’s all the latest news from Old Trafford.
JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
‘Agreement reached’ over JJ Gabriel
Reports suggest United academy whizz-kid Gabriel is keen to make a move to Spain if he gets the green light to exit the club.
The 15-year-old caused a stir around Old Trafford last week by asking to be deregistered. Gabriel has been earmarked for a bright future at United, but now seems set on seeking pastures new, reports the Mirror.
Spanish publication Sport have claimed Gabriel’s wishlist of potential destinations now includes four clubs, with two situated in Spain. Real Madrid and Barcelona are among those supposedly interested in landing Gabriel’s services, along with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
It’s believed Gabriel has brought in agent Ali Barat as his efforts to exit United gather pace. The representative’s connections could prove crucial to his future after allegedly opening doors to Real and Bayern.
Despite his wish to leave, Gabriel remains on United’s books for the rest of the campaign and cannot be removed from their registration. United are confident the situation can still be sorted, regardless of Gabriel’s surprising determination to move on.
The youngster is only weeks away from becoming eligible to pen a scholarship deal with United when he reaches 16 on October 6, and must wait until his 17th birthday before signing a professional contract.
Sesko issues statement
Sesko maintains he’s grafting to return to action after experiencing a setback with his ongoing shin complaint.
The 23-year-old was omitted from United’s stalemate with Fulham at the weekend and has now pulled out of the Slovenia squad.
“I am very sorry that I will have to miss the national team’s upcoming matches,” Sesko posted on Tuesday in a statement on Instagram. “I have always played for Slovenia – and always will – with heart and pride.
“Right now, the most important thing is to focus fully on my recovery. I am already working on getting back on the pitch as soon as possible to help both the national team and my club once again.”
Sesko has appeared in all bar one of United’s fixtures so far this campaign. He emerged from the substitutes’ bench to find the net in the 2-2 stalemate with Everton earlier this month and struck the third goal in United’s 4-0 triumph over Azerbaijani outfit Sabah four days later.
Nevertheless, he’s predominantly been relegated to a supporting role behind team-mate Cunha, who has been deployed from the off in each of United’s Premier League encounters. Sesko’s sole starting appearances have arrived against Sabah and Brighton.