Michael Carrick is in desperate need of a win against Leeds United tomorrow as Manchester United attempt to put a turbulent few weeks behind them. The Reds have gone more than a month without a victory in any competition and face a daunting away fixture at Elland Road.
United's troubles have extended beyond the pitch as well. Gifted academy talent JJ Gabriel appears set to depart the club before making a single senior competitive appearance, following growing frustration at his limited opportunities this season.
Carrick's side sit 13th heading into this weekend's action, three points and six places adrift of their opponents. Should other results favour the struggling sides on Saturday, United could find themselves anxiously glancing over their shoulders before they even kick off at Elland Road.
As we approach what could prove a defining weekend, further fallout has emerged from the deflating Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday. Here's all the latest news coming out of Old Trafford.
Gabriel plan blasted
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness has expressed bewilderment at suggestions Manchester United might pursue legal action over JJ Gabriel's determination to leave. The teenager requested the club cancel his registration - something United have apparently been reluctant to do - yet a move to the continent still appears more probable 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 learns his punishment
United have handed Lisandro Martinez a fine following his outburst in the wake of Tuesday's defeat in Spain. The centre-half went on a rant in which he seemed to suggest the club's summer recruitment left them poorly placed to build on their Champions League qualification.
Martinez, for his part, has 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."
