Manchester United’s latest round of headlines has brought another major development in the JJ Gabriel saga, fresh concern over Benjamin Sesko’s future, and another name emerging for the left-back position.
Senne Lammens has responded to criticism, while Wayne Rooney has opened up about his sons’ academy journeys, and Patrice Evra has revisited a dramatic episode from his final months at Old Trafford.
Here are the main Manchester United news and talking points from October 2.
United consider legal options over JJ Gabriel
The situation surrounding JJ Gabriel has taken another turn, with Manchester United reportedly exploring legal and regulatory options over the 15-year-old’s proposed departure. In our full JJ Gabriel report, United are said to be looking at ways of protecting their position as interest from major European clubs continues.
Gabriel has not signed a professional contract and reportedly told the club last month that he wanted to be deregistered. Barcelona have been linked, although Deco has publicly denied the club’s involvement. United had also been planning to bring Gabriel into the first-team picture.
Juventus keeping an eye on Sesko
Benjamin Sesko is attracting attention from Juventus as they assess their striker options for next summer. As detailed in our full Sesko transfer story, the Turin club are monitoring several forwards, with Sesko among the names being considered.
The Slovenian has had an interrupted start to life at United, partly because of his ongoing shin problem and partly because Matheus Cunha has often been preferred through the middle. Juventus have not made an approach, with their interest currently at the monitoring stage.
David Raum emerges as a January option
Manchester United have reportedly been given encouragement in their pursuit of David Raum. Our full Raum report says the RB Leipzig captain is open to a move to Old Trafford, while his contract situation could make a January deal possible.
United’s left-back situation has become more pressing following injuries to Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu. Raum’s contract expires in 2027 and a fee of around £30m could reportedly be enough to begin negotiations.
Rooney discusses his sons’ academy journeys
Wayne Rooney has spoken openly about the very different paths taken by his sons in academy football. In our full Rooney family story, Kai has earned a scholarship at United and is training with the Under-18s, while Klay also remains at the club.
Rooney stressed that neither son should receive special treatment because of their father. He also discussed the disappointment of eight-year-old Cass being released by Everton, while emphasising the importance of patience in youth football.
Murillo would cost United heavily
Manchester United could face a significant fee if they revive their interest in Nottingham Forest defender Murillo. Our full Murillo transfer report explains that Forest have little reason to sell the Brazilian, who is contracted until 2030.
The report suggests United are more likely to consider a move next summer rather than in January. Forest’s position means a substantial offer would be required before talks could even begin.
Lammens answers Scholes criticism
Senne Lammens has responded to criticism from Paul Scholes, who questioned whether the goalkeeper has done enough to prove himself at United. In our full Lammens story, Lammens said he knows he has to be mentally strong and confident while playing for a club where opinions are constantly being expressed.
The Belgian also said he enjoys the pressure that comes with playing for United and Belgium, while Belgium boss Mark van Bommel praised his mentality.
Evra recalls furious Woodward row
Patrice Evra has revealed more details about the contract dispute that shaped the final part of his Manchester United career. In our full Evra report, Evra said he had reached a gentlemen’s agreement with Ed Woodward to leave for family reasons and had already agreed terms with Juventus.
He later discovered that United had triggered a one-year extension while he was on holiday in Dubai. Evra says the revelation led to a furious phone call before Ryan Giggs eventually helped convince him to remain for another season.
Rooney apologises over Sesko criticism
Wayne Rooney has apologised to Benjamin Sesko after previously questioning the striker for missing matches with a shin injury. Our full Rooney-Sesko report explains that Rooney changed his stance after learning more about the seriousness of the problem.
Sesko had been managing the injury for several weeks, coming off the bench in four consecutive league matches before missing the Fulham draw and Slovenia duty. Rooney acknowledged that he had misjudged the situation.
United face four key contract decisions
Manchester United have four major contract situations to resolve involving Bruno Fernandes, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire. As outlined in our full contract report, United hold 12-month extension options on Fernandes and Martinez, while Maguire’s current deal also contains an option.
Shaw is different because his contract has no extension clause, meaning fresh terms must be agreed if United want to keep their longest-serving player beyond the season. Talks over a new Fernandes deal have already opened.
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