Manchester United could revive their interest in Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde during the January transfer window after the defender has been largely sidelined this season. The news comes as former assistant coach Mick Brown has questioned the behaviour of teenage prospect JJ Gabriel amid talk of a move away from Old Trafford.
Balde move back on
United were heavily linked with Balde over the summer before the Spanish left-back decided to stay and fight for his place at the Camp Nou. However, he has played just 12 minutes across all competitions so far this season.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has promoted academy product Xavi Espart to the starting left-back role, while summer signing Joao Cancelo is second in the pecking order. According to Mundo Deportivo, being overlooked could force Balde to reconsider his options this winter, despite alleged assurances from agent Jorge Mendes that Balde would be "fine in the future."
United failed to recruit a left-back over the summer, leaving manager Michael Carrick to rely primarily on Luke Shaw, with Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui and Harry Amass as alternative options. Renewed calls for fresh blood in the role have followed a number of questionable displays from Shaw this season, and a move for Balde could be revived in January.
JJ Gabriel behaviour questioned
Former United assistant coach and scout Mick Brown has suggested JJ Gabriel is burning bridges at Old Trafford. Amid talk of a move to another European heavyweight, it is alleged that the rapport between Gabriel and his under-21 team-mates has taken a turn for the worse.
United recently denied Gabriel's request to have his registration cancelled, with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona linked with the 15-year-old. Gabriel was tipped for a breakthrough under Carrick this season, but Brown has hinted that his current standing in the youth teams is not helping his case.
"There is the suggestion, of course, that Man United might be better off without JJ Gabriel," Brown told Football Insider. "Regardless of his obvious talent, this situation has called into question his character and that of the people around him, and is that the type of player you want around the club?"
Brown added: "It's sad, because the boy is very talented and it's a shame how this situation has played out in recent times. Interestingly enough, since all of this has kicked off, I've watched him closely playing for the academy sides and one thing that interests me is his teammates' reactions.
"When somebody scores for the Under-21s, all the players go running over, they're jumping and hugging each other and all of that. But a few times when JJ Gabriel has scored, yes they go and celebrate with him, give him a high five, and then they all trot back and he doesn't seem to get the same reception."
Brown went on to say "it's an arrogance and attitude thing," noting Gabriel is already training with the first team. He questioned whether Gabriel's under-21 team-mates have been left feeling inadequate in his eyes.
"Like I said, it's a shame and maybe I'm reading too much into it," he added. "But it does add up to that idea that maybe they're better off without him."
