Man Utd news: Barcelona transfer to be revived in January as JJ Gabriel behaviour questioned

· Mirror

Manchester United have an extended international break to get things right following a faltering start to the new season

Michael Carrick has a job on his hands in rediscovering last season's fine form at Manchester United following a slumped start to the season. His side sit 12th in the Premier League as the international break diverts attention away from club matters for several weeks.

In a way, the latest international window was well timed for a team that boasts just two wins in all competitions. Carrick succeeded in convincing the club to appoint him on permanent terms, but has so far failed to live up to the hype in his first full campaign.

Recent developments make a January investment that much more likely, with one missed summer target potentially up for grabs. Mirror Football dissects the latest rumblings out of Old Trafford to start the second week of the international break.

Balde move back on

United may have an opening to sign Alejandro Balde from Barcelona in January after he's been largely sidelined at the Camp Nou. The Spanish left-back was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford before ultimately deciding to stay and fight for his place.

However, that battle has been a losing one thus far, considering Balde has played just 12 minutes across all competitions. Barca boss Hansi Flick has promoted academy product Xavi Espart to the starting role at left-back, while summer signing Joao Cancelo is second in the pecking order.

Mundo Deportivo has reported that being overlooked could force Balde to reconsider his options this winter. That's despite alleged assurances from agent Jorge Mendes that Balde would be "fine in the future."

United were linked with a number of left-back signings over the summer but ultimately failed to recruit for the position. That left Carrick relying primarily on Luke Shaw, while Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui and Harry Amass are alternative options.

However, there have been renewed calls for fresh blood in the role after a number of questionable displays from Shaw this season. And with Balde struggling to find a way into the team at Barcelona, a move to Manchester could be revived in January.

JJ Gabriel behaviour questioned

Former Manchester United assistant coach and scout Mick Brown has suggested JJ Gabriel is burning certain bridges at Old Trafford. Amid talk of a move to another of Europe's heavyweights, it's alleged that the rapport between Gabriel and his under-21 team-mates has taken a turn for the worse.

It recently emerged that United denied Gabriel's request to have his registration cancelled, as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona are linked with his signature. Gabriel, 15, was tipped for a breakthrough under Michael Carrick this season, but Brown has hinted that his current standing in the youth teams isn't helping his case.

> "There is the suggestion, of course, that Man United might be better off without JJ Gabriel," he told Football Insider. "Regardless of his obvious talent, this situation has called into question his character and that of the people around him, and is that the type of player you want around the club?

> "It's sad, because the boy is very talented and it's a shame how this situation has played out in recent times. Interestingly enough, since all of this has kicked off, I've watched him closely playing for the academy sides and one thing that interests me is his teammates' reactions.

> "When somebody scores for the Under-21s, all the players go running over, they're jumping and hugging each other and all of that. But a few times when JJ Gabriel has scored, yes they go and celebrate with him, give him a high five, and then they all trot back and he doesn't seem to get the same reception.

> "Now, I might be reading too much into it, but from my point of view I have to wonder whether his actions have caused issues in the dressing room."

Brown went on to say "it's an arrogance and attitude thing," noting Gabriel is already training with the first team. Given all he's been handed already, Brown questioned whether his under-21 team-mates have been left feeling like they're inadequate in Gabriel's eyes.

> "Like I said, it's a shame and maybe I'm reading too much into it," he added. "But it does add up to that idea that maybe they're better off without him."

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