Manchester United will return to Premier League action against Tottenham in six days, with players gradually returning from international duty. Thirteen of Michael Carrick's first-team squad were initially called up for the extended break, but several did not report, including Kobbie Mainoo, Karl Darlow, Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko. Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro received late call-ups to the Netherlands and France squads respectively.
Injuries have also affected the squad, with Noussair Mazraoui limping off during Morocco's clash with Lesotho and Patrick Dorgu returning to Manchester after picking up a suspected hamstring injury while playing for Denmark. Dorgu had been operating at left-back under Carrick, a position that could be strengthened in January.
Barcelona willing to sanction Alejandro Balde transfer
Left-back Alejandro Balde was linked with a move to United during the summer, but he wished to remain and compete for his position. However, TEAMtalk claims that Barcelona are now ready to let the Spaniard move on loan in January, as Balde has slipped down the hierarchy at the Nou Camp behind Xavi Espart and others.
It is reported that Balde's representatives are working hard to arrange a departure from Barcelona, with United having considered him during the summer before turning their attention to alternative targets. Old Trafford chiefs reportedly feel that, at 22, Balde possesses significant potential and could evolve into a crucial defensive player if he rediscovers his peak form. He was left out of Spain's World Cup-winning squad.
JJ Gabriel legal action threat
Elsewhere, talented prospect JJ Gabriel had emerged as one of United's most exciting young players. He stunned the club last month when he formally requested his youth registration be cancelled with immediate effect. United denied this, but because he has not yet turned 16, he cannot be offered a scholarship or professional deal. Gabriel turns 16 on Tuesday, October 6, and when he does, he may achieve his objective.
Given his eligibility for an EU passport through his Irish and Cypriot ancestry, he could, via a loophole, join continental clubs. While Barcelona have publicly dismissed speculation linking them with Gabriel, he has been training in Catalonia. Real Madrid are another club thought to be interested, and should Gabriel leave, United would only receive a modest compensation payment.
The Sun now claims that United are contemplating regulatory and possibly legal action against anyone who might negotiate or facilitate Gabriel's departure. Ali Barat, founder of Epic Sports agency, has stepped in to manage Gabriel and has had to obtain formal authorisation to represent minors on behalf of Gabriel's family. Talks with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have reportedly been arranged.
