Manchester United’s defensive problems have once again made headlines. The uncertainty surrounding JJ Gabriel shows no sign of disappearing. There is also renewed attention on Scott McTominay, contract talks involving Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez, and another striker who has attracted United’s attention.
Away from transfer matters, Lisandro Martinez has reflected on Lionel Messi’s emotional Argentina farewell.
Here are the latest Manchester United news & talking points.
Scholes calls for a complete defensive rebuild
Paul Scholes believes Manchester United need to go much further than simply adding one or two defenders. The former midfielder has called for a new back four and potentially a new goalkeeper. He argued that the club has had the same problems at the back for too long.
Scholes pointed out that United have invested heavily in midfield with Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba, but believes the defence has been left to cause them problems for too many years. He was also critical of Senne Lammens and does not believe the goalkeeper is currently at the level of Arsenal, Liverpool or Manchester City.
Read the full Paul Scholes story
JJ Gabriel has his heart set on Barcelona
The teenager’s future has taken another twist, with reports claiming the teenager wants to leave Manchester United and has his sights firmly set on Barcelona.
JJ Gabriel formally asked to be deregistered from United in September and has not trained with the club since. Barcelona had previously distanced themselves from the situation, but reports suggest the youngster still favours a move there. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested, while United have threatened legal action as they try to protect their position.
Read the full JJ Gabriel story
McTominay could make a surprise return
Scott McTominay could return to the Premier League, with Manchester United among the clubs keeping tabs on the former academy graduate.
McTominay has enjoyed a hugely successful spell at Napoli, scoring 12 league goals in his first season and another 10 last term. His current campaign has been disrupted by a heart problem and surgery, while Napoli are reportedly reluctant to meet his wage demands as he approaches his 30s. The Italian club is believed to value him at between €25m and €30m.
Read the full Scott McTominay story
Martinez opens up on Messi farewell
Lisandro Martinez has admitted Argentina felt enormous pressure ahead of Lionel Messi’s final home international appearance. The United defender said the players found it difficult to process the idea that Messi would be playing his last game for Argentina.
Argentina marked the occasion with a 3-0 victory over Benin, with Messi scoring once and providing two assists. Martinez said the squad wanted their captain to enjoy the occasion and stressed how important he remains to the group.
Read the full Lisandro Martinez story
Former defender says Gabriel is not ready yet
Former United defender Phil Bardsley believes JJ Gabriel is not ready to be rushed into Premier League football. Bardsley accepts the teenager has outstanding ability but feels there is still a physical gap to overcome.
He compared Gabriel’s situation with Wayne Rooney, who was physically ready to handle senior football at a very young age, and argued that patience is needed. Bardsley also questioned the timing of the dispute between Gabriel and United.
Read the full JJ Gabriel Premier League story
United have time to resolve Fernandes and Martinez deals
Fabrizio Romano has offered some reassurance over the contract situations of Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martinez. Both players are tied to United until 2027, with the club holding options to extend their deals by another year.
Fernandes remains the more complicated case, with salary, contract length and a possible release clause all part of the discussions. There is currently no agreement, although Romano stressed that United still have time. Martinez’s situation is considered more straightforward, with the club continuing to see him as an important leader.
Read the full Fernandes and Martinez contract story
Lewis-Skelly remains on United’s radar
Micah Richards has described Myles Lewis-Skelly as one of the best young players he has seen at his age and questioned why the Arsenal academy graduate should spend time on the bench.
Lewis-Skelly has started four of Arsenal’s opening five league games this season after making just five Premier League starts last term. His situation is one to watch, with Manchester United having long admired him and continued interest reported for next summer.
Read the full Myles Lewis-Skelly story
Bundesliga striker attracts United interest
Freiburg forward Igor Matanovic has emerged as another name on Manchester United’s striker radar. The 23-year-old is reportedly open to moving to the Premier League and would welcome the chance to join United.
Matanovic has nine goal involvements in seven matches this season after scoring 15 goals last campaign. Arsenal and Chelsea are also monitoring him, although the latest report suggests there is unlikely to be a move during the January window, making next summer a more realistic possibility.
Read the full Igor Matanovic story
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