Man United’s problems have continued to pile up after a damaging night in Madrid.
Michael Carrick’s side were beaten 2-0 by Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, extending their winless run to five matches in all competitions.
Pablo Barrios struck inside the opening minute before United’s task became even harder when Leny Yoro was sent off during the second half. Ademola Lookman then finished the contest with Atlético’s second.
What followed created an even bigger storm.
Lisandro Martínez publicly questioned the direction of the club and made it clear he wanted more support from those above Carrick.
The defender placed particular focus on director of football Jason Wilcox and United’s failure to strengthen important areas during the summer.
Martinez later repeated his concerns during another television interview with Peter Schmeichel.
Wayne Rooney accused him of showing disrespect, while Carrick suggested the comments had been fuelled by the emotion of another painful result and said the situation would be handled internally.
Reports that other senior players share Martinez’s frustration have increased the pressure on Wilcox.
An angry social media post from Amad Diallo also added to the sense of disorder around the club, and that is the backdrop to the latest development surrounding academy sensation JJ Gabriel.
The teenager has been front and centre of a major exit saga, with Fabrizio Romano now revealing who is in pole position.
Real Madrid favourites for JJ Gabriel as Man United relationship deteriorates
Fabrizio Romano has told Apuestas Online that Real Madrid are now the favourites to sign the 16-year-old after making significant progress in their pursuit.
Madrid have held talks with Gabriel’s representatives, while Man United have also been made aware of the contact. Barcelona have spoken with his camp as well, but the Spanish capital is currently viewed as his likeliest destination.
PSG and Bayern Munich have also explored a possible deal.
However, the expectation is that Gabriel will continue his career in La Liga if United cannot convince him to stay.
The relationship between the teenager and his boyhood club is said to have deteriorated over recent weeks, and Gabriel reportedly expected to be given a clearer route towards senior football at the beginning of the campaign.
When those opportunities didn’t come, existing concerns over his sporting and financial future became more serious.
The youngster decided in September that he wanted to leave, and his preference is now believed to be a move outside England, rather than joining one of United’s Premier League rivals.
United have not entirely abandoned hope of changing his mind, but their chances appear increasingly slim, and Romano has separately suggested there is now a 95 per cent likelihood that Gabriel departs.
Allowing one of their brightest academy players to join Real after his relationship with United broke down would raise further questions about how the club are handling young talent.
Madrid can offer history, prestige and a carefully presented development plan, but United must show Gabriel there is still a realistic future for him at Old Trafford.
With senior players questioning the club’s ambition and a leading prospect edging towards the exit, this has become another major test for the hierarchy.
Source: www.footballfancast.com
