Manchester United will soon turn their attention to facing Tottenham in the Premier League with the international break slowly coming to an end
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick after the Premier League match at the American Express Stadium, Brighton and Hove
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick will expect more of his players after the international break(Image: PA)
View 3 Images
Manchester United have just six days until they are next in Premier League action against Tottenham. Players will start to trickle back from international duty.
A total of 13 of Michael Carrick's first team were originally called up for the extended break, but several did not report. Kobbie Mainoo, Karl Darlow, Marcus Rashford and Benjamin Sesko stayed behind despite getting the call. Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro received late call-ups to the Netherlands and France squads, respectively.
There have been injuries too, namely for Noussair Mazraoui, who limped off during Morocco's clash with Lesotho, and Patrick Dorgu, who has returned to Manchester after picking up a suspected hamstring injury whilst playing for Denmark.
Dorgu had been operating at left-back under Carrick, but the position could be strengthened with a Barcelona star in January. The Manchester Evening News brings you the latest from Old Trafford.
Barcelona willing to sanction Alejandro Balde transfer
Left-back Alejandro Balde was linked with a move to United during the summer, but he wished to remain and compete for his position.
Alejandro Balde of FC Barcelona is presented to the fans prior to the Joan Gamper Trophy between FC Barcelona and Al Ahly SC at Spotify Camp Nou
Balde could leave Barcelona in January(Image: Getty)
View 3 Images
However, TEAMtalk claims that Barcelona are ready to let the Spaniard move on loan in January. Balde has slipped down the hierarchy at the Nou Camp behind Xavi Espart and others.
It is reported that Balde's representatives are now working hard to arrange a departure from Barcelona, with United having considered him during the summer before turning their attention to alternative targets.
Old Trafford chiefs reportedly feel that, at 22, Balde possesses significant potential and could evolve into a crucial defensive player if he rediscovers his peak form. He was left out of Spain's World Cup-winning squad.
JJ Gabriel legal action threat
Elsewhere, the talented JJ Gabriel had emerged as one of United's most exciting young prospects. He therefore stunned the club last month when he formally requested his youth registration be cancelled with immediate effect.
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United arrives ahead of the during the pre-season friendly match between Rosenborg and Manchester United at Lerkendal Stadion
Gabriel wants to leave United(Image: Getty)
View 3 Images
United denied this, but because he has not yet turned 16, he cannot be offered a scholarship or pro deal. However, Gabriel turns 16 this coming Tuesday, October 6, and when he does, he may achieve his objective.
Given his eligibility for an EU passport through his Irish and Cypriot ancestry, he could, via a loophole, join continental clubs. While Barcelona have publicly dismissed speculation linking them with Gabriel, he has been training in Catalonia.
Real Madrid are another club thought to be interested, and should Gabriel leave, United would only receive a modest compensation payment.
However, The Sun now claims that United are contemplating regulatory and possibly legal action against anyone who might negotiate or facilitate Gabriel's departure.
Ali Barat, founder of Epic Sports agency, has stepped in to manage Gabriel and has had to obtain formal authorisation to represent minors on behalf of Gabriel's family. Talks with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have reportedly been arranged.