Manchester United academy winger JJ Gabriel has been training individually in Castelldefels, Barcelona, after submitting a transfer request, while midfielder Jack Moorhouse has returned to Manchester with a season-ending ACL injury.
Gabriel last trained at Carrington over a fortnight ago after requesting to leave the club. He has stayed sharp by working with a private coach in Castelldefels, Barcelona, where he and his family have been regular visitors. Gabriel has trained with local specialist coaches during his time there and occasionally invites a private coach from home, Jack Hunter, to join him. He has worked with Hunter over the last few days at the British School Stadium in Castelldefels.
Barcelona move in sight
The forward's new permanent home could be Barcelona if the Catalan club can overcome red tape to sign him. Real Madrid have worked hard to get into a position to sign Gabriel, but his family have always dreamt of him playing for Barcelona, which is partly why they have visited so often. Gabriel will celebrate his 16th birthday on Tuesday, so the story is set to pick up again after going quiet for a week or so.
Moorhouse suffers ACL injury
Moorhouse has returned to Manchester after suffering an ACL injury in a friendly for Dundee last week. Dundee arranged a behind-closed-doors friendly to keep their players ticking during the international break, but disaster struck when Moorhouse went down with a knee injury. He underwent a scan to assess the injury, and it is now thought he will be out for the remainder of the season. The midfielder was primed to kick on with Dundee this term, so picking up a serious knee injury at this stage of his career feels particularly cruel.
Thwaites makes England U20 debut
Jim Thwaites made his England Under-20 debut in a 2-1 win against France on Tuesday, coming off the bench to earn his first cap. Ayden Heaven and Shea Lacey started, while Jack Fletcher also got minutes as a substitute. Thwaites was never in contention to leave on loan over the summer. United believed it was best for him to train with the first team and play for the U21s this season, to help him push toward a more permanent senior role.
Amass extension due
Harry Amass has just nine months remaining on his United contract, but the club have the option to extend his deal by 12 months, which is due to be exercised before the January transfer window. United are set to activate their option to give themselves some breathing space and to protect Amass' value ahead of the summer, which will be a chance for him to leave permanently. Amass has changed agencies after failing to get a move last summer. The 19-year-old could be allowed to leave on loan in January, depending on the fitness situation with Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu at that time, but there will be permanent options on the table in the summer. The 19-year-old needs to bide his time for now and see where the land lies at the end of the season. He looked a tad disinterested playing for the Under-21s before the international break, but it must be tricky to get motivated for those games after spending a season in the Championship. Amass has gone from playing competitive matches in atmospheric, iconic grounds to playing in youth fixtures in front of around 200 fans at Leigh Sports Village, so it's impossible not to sympathise.
