JJ Gabriel is close to securing his Manchester United exit as his team-mates play on without him. The 16-year-old stunned United last month by asking to leave just as he was set to become the club's youngest-ever player.
United had planned to include him in the squad for the Carabao Cup tie with Brighton but following his bombshell request, he hasn't figured for any of the club's teams. Under different circumstances, he may have featured for United in the UEFA Youth League this week.
Under-18s lose without Gabriel
Without him, the under-18s lost 3-0 away to Atletico Madrid, hours before the first team was beaten 2-0 by the same club in the Champions League.
Gabriel could find himself in Madrid soon, though. Reports coming out of the Spanish capital say Real Madrid are confident of winning the race to sign the teenager, who has also attracted attention from Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
Two-horse race for teenager
Interest from the French and German champions is said to have cooled, making it a straight fight between the El Clasico rivals. Meanwhile, reporter Fabrizio Romano says there is a "95 per cent" chance that Gabriel will leave Old Trafford "probably for La Liga."
Romano added that Real and Barca remain in talks with Gabriel's representatives. Although United can block a move to a Premier League rival this season, Gabriel's EU passport provides a pathway to a European club.
Carrick faces bigger problems
Inside Old Trafford, there is a growing sense of resignation that his departure is imminent. Asked last week if there had been any developments during the international break, Carrick said "nothing's changed at all" regarding Gabriel.
Carrick has bigger problems at present, like easing the pressure on himself following the club's poor start to the season, which sees them 13th in the table with just one win in six games.
Ahead of Sunday's tough trip to Leeds, Carrick has had clear-the-air talks with Lisandro Martinez following the Argentine's explosive comments about the club hierarchy, including director of football Jason Wilcox.
Martinez has since apologised, while Carrick faced questions about the matter in his pre-match press conference. He said: "I think he's released his statement and he's realised he's made a mistake.
"I understand emotion at times. We ask for fire and players to care, but there is a way of doing that, which has been acknowledged. We need to carry that intensity and spirit and use that."
