Manchester United are back in action as the Premier League returns from the extended international break, with Tottenham visiting Old Trafford as both sides aim for a much-needed three points.
JJ Gabriel receives formal scholarship offer
United have presented JJ Gabriel with a formal scholarship proposal following his exit request last month. Despite this contract being put forward, the club still face the prospect of losing him for as little as £350,000, with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich all interested.
The teenager submitted a transfer request in September, triggering widespread speculation across Europe. Under Premier League regulations focused on youth players, Gabriel would have been free to move elsewhere in January at no cost had he not received a formal scholarship offer.
The Guardian now claims that this offer has indeed been made, fundamentally altering the outlook for any prospective transfer. Should Gabriel reject United's proposal, any Premier League clubs harbouring interest will now be required to negotiate directly with the club for his signature.
In the event that no agreement can be reached, compensation would be determined by a Professional Football Compensation Committee tribunal. United would anticipate receiving a minimum of £3million - plus a 20% sell-on clause - as a result. However, should Gabriel opt to move abroad to a European club, the compensation figure would decrease considerably.
Carrick responds to City charges
Michael Carrick addressed the personal implications of Manchester City's guilty verdict and called for the matter to be resolved at the earliest opportunity as United broke their silence on the issue. During the international break, the Premier League confirmed that an independent commission had found United's rivals guilty of 114 of the 115 charges brought against them.
City have firmly maintained their innocence and have submitted an appeal. The financial rule violations occurred between 2009/10 and 2017/18 - with Carrick among the squad that finished as runners-up to their rivals in the Premier League twice during this time.
When questioned on the charges, the United boss said: "Difficult to say in many ways. It's thrown up a lot of questions. It's ongoing, and there's only so much I can say. I have my own questions about it because it has affected me personally. We'll have to see how it goes. The sooner it gets sorted for everyone, the better.
"There's no getting that (winning moments) back in any direction. The feeling we all crave is coming out on top. That sums it up. Whatever is done in the past, is done in the past.
"Speed is essential, as I just said. That's obvious for me to sit here and say that. There are so many angles, but speed is essential for everybody to be clear, to deal with it, and move on. It's unprecedented to be in this situation at this level. We all need to know what is going to happen."
When pressed on whether he would want to receive an extra Premier League medal - having missed out in 2011/12 and 2017/18 - Carrick added: "I think at the moment, as it's still not finalised, I think I'll hold that one until later on. I think regardless of anything, a medal anyway, in any sport in history, I think the later on you get the medal [it doesn't mean as much].
"It's the moment that you strive for to win and achieve in that moment, so the medal here or there, not getting blasé about it, but that doesn't bring the feeling of when you initially win or you don't win. That's essentially what we're all in it for."
