Manchester United's turbulent start to the season continues, with the future of JJ Gabriel now at the centre of attention. The 16-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on Tuesday, is reportedly determined to push through a departure from Old Trafford, holding firm on the transfer request he submitted in September.
The uncertainty around Gabriel adds to the pressure on Michael Carrick, who has endured a difficult start to his first full season in charge. United have managed just one win in five Premier League games and have already been eliminated from the Carabao Cup.
Scholes takes aim over City charges
Manchester City being found guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial regulations over a nine-year period has prompted debate over the appropriate sanction. According to United legend Paul Scholes, stripping the titles City won between 2009 and 2018 and handing them to the runners-up would be the correct course of action.
City clinched their first Premier League title in the 2011/12 campaign, finishing ahead of United on goal difference on the final day. Scholes, who featured in 17 games that season, posted on X: "Keep hearing ex-teammates say they want trophies taken off them, but they don't want their medals... f*** that, I'm a greedy b******, I want my medal."
Scholes, 51, would collect a 12th league medal in such a scenario, a prospect Arsenal legend Martin Keown described as "hollow". Keown commented on talkSPORT: "Receiving another medal is a bit hollow. How many does he need? He's got a dozen or so already, but I can't tell him how to behave or think. For me, I just think it should be void. I think if we're going to take away Man City's trophies throughout that period it should be made void."
Scholes took exception to Keown's position and fired back via Instagram: "And you can do one with that 'void season' nonsense."
JJ Gabriel talks 'held'
JJ Gabriel has reportedly held talks with Bayern Munich regarding a potential switch. The 16-year-old looks likely to quit the club after making his intentions clear last month, a development that has surprised many given the high regard in which United holds the young forward.
Several of Europe's most prestigious clubs have registered an interest in the teenager, with the Bundesliga champions having held talks with Gabriel's representatives on Monday, according to Sky Germany. Real Madrid, Barcelona and PSG are also said to be monitoring his situation.
The MEN understands that Gabriel's representatives wanted him to make his first-team debut against Sabah in the Champions League, although this was not possible after he was omitted from the squad United submitted to UEFA. His team also wanted the youngster to feature against Brighton in the Carabao Cup and Bournemouth in the Premier League. United had planned to give Gabriel his debut against Brighton, but his camp submitted a request to leave before that game.
