Manchester United are under mounting pressure after another midweek defeat, with the club now winless in over a month across all competitions. The Red Devils face a difficult trip to Leeds United on Sunday afternoon, with manager Michael Carrick's position coming under increasing scrutiny.
United's frustrations have also spilled into off-field matters. Highly-rated academy prospect JJ Gabriel appears set to leave the club before making a senior competitive appearance, having grown frustrated at a lack of game time this season.
Carrick's side sit 13th heading into the weekend's action, three points and six places behind their opponents. Depending on other results on Saturday, United could find themselves looking over their shoulders by the time they kick off at Elland Road.
Gabriel exit plan criticised
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has expressed bewilderment at suggestions Manchester United might take legal action over JJ Gabriel's desire to leave. The teenager has requested the club cancel his registration, a move United have seemingly been reluctant to agree to, though a move to the continent still looks more likely than not.
"I think it's about a 30 per cent chance of him staying put and 70 per cent going to Real Madrid. I think it's that far in their favour," Wyness told Football Insider.
"I think too much has been said and too much has gone under the bridge. Man United either didn't act appropriately; probably last year was the time to do it. They obviously haven't made the window for his success, his match plan and his pathway very clear to him."
He added: "I've had countless young players come through, and I've seen each of them develop in different ways. United are now talking about going legal. I mean, that's ridiculous, and I think it would be the wrong way to go."
Martinez punished for outburst
United have fined Lisandro Martinez following his angry reaction to Tuesday's defeat in Spain, according to BBC Sport. The centre-back launched into a tirade in which he appeared to suggest the club's summer transfer business left them ill-equipped to build on their Champions League qualification.
Martinez has since issued an apology for his comments. "Today I met with the club's leadership and the manager. It was a very positive conversation, where we were able to exchange views and speak openly about what happened after Tuesday's game," the Argentina international wrote on social media.
"Everyone knows that I am a passionate person and that I live football with great intensity. The frustration of the defeat led me to express how I felt at a time and place that perhaps were not the right ones, and for that I want to apologise."
