United risk losing prodigy JJ Gabriel as top clubs close in, while Carrick’s job remains safe for now
Manchester United are on the brink of losing their highly‑rated 16‑year‑old academy star JJ Gabriel, with Real Madrid, Paris Saint‑Germain, Bayern Munich and Barcelona all reportedly in advanced talks. The club can only offer a scholarship that would net a modest £300,000 in compensation, a figure United hope will be enough to retain the teenager but which is unlikely to sway his ambitions.
Gabriel, who holds an EU passport and can now formally appoint an agent, has already expressed a desire to move abroad. His camp, currently advised by Ali Barat, is being courted by several high‑profile representatives, including Jorge Mendes. The Spanish giants have been seen as front‑runners after the Catalan sporting director publicly dismissed interest, yet Barcelona remains in the mix, with the youngster training in Castelldefels. Gabriel’s own demands – guaranteed minutes against Sabah and Brighton before signing any scholarship – suggest a U‑turn to United is highly improbable.
United have signalled they will not terminate his registration, arguing it would be in the player’s best interest to stay, but they are also preparing for the possibility of legal action should any rules have been breached. The club’s compensation claim remains modest, underscoring the diminishing hope of keeping the talent.
Meanwhile, head coach Michael Carrick appears secure in his role despite United’s poor start – one win in five league games and an early Carabao Cup exit. The owners have shown little appetite for a mid‑season change, recalling the swift dismissal of Ruben Amorim earlier this year. United sit 12th, with only Tottenham below them, and while another defeat could increase scrutiny, the board is unlikely to “hit the panic button” just yet.
The upcoming clash with Tottenham at Old Trafford will be a litmus test. A loss could push United deeper into the relegation zone, but the club’s hierarchy seems prepared to give Carrick more time to turn the tide.
Injury concerns continue to plague the squad. Left‑back Luke Shaw is now fit, but his recent replacements – Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui – suffered setbacks on international duty. Mazraoui sustained a back injury playing for Morocco, while Dorgu’s hamstring problem, reminiscent of a three‑month lay‑off last season, remains worrisome. The fitness of Will de Ligt, Amad Diallo and Alejandro Baleba will be crucial for the Spurs game, as United look to field a full‑strength XI.
“Losing Gabriel would be a blow, but we have to respect his wishes,” a United insider said. “Carrick’s position is safe for now, but the board knows results will dictate the next steps.”