Real Madrid News
Real Madrid youth target no longer training with Manchester United as transfer interest intensifies
Real Madrid target JJ Gabriel has been left out of Manchester United’s Premier League 2 squad for Friday’s meeting with Brentford, adding another twist to the increasingly uncertain situation surrounding the 15-year-old.
According to BBC Sport, Gabriel is no longer training with Manchester United’s academy and will not feature against Brentford.
The development comes just days after Gabriel’s situation at United became a major talking point in England, with the youngster having formally requested a move away from the club.
Gabriel’s Manchester United situation takes another turn
Gabriel’s week has been extraordinary. He scored a hat-trick on his Youth League debut before being included in Michael Carrick’s squad for Manchester United’s Carabao Cup fixture against Brighton.
He was subsequently left out of Carrick’s plans the following day, and the situation has now moved further away from normal academy proceedings.
BBC Sport reported, “The striker is no longer training with the club, and although sources at Manchester United believe the situation can be resolved, sources close to JJ Gabriel have a different opinion and don’t think he will play for the club again. JJ Gabriel’s exact whereabouts are unknown.”
That contrast between the club’s position and the view of people close to Gabriel has left the teenager’s immediate future unclear.
Real Madrid watching as Gabriel remains unavailable
Real Madrid have been closely monitoring Gabriel for some time, and the latest developments are certain to increase attention around the English prospect.
His rapid rise has already attracted interest from several major European clubs, but Real Madrid’s interest has become particularly relevant given the possibility that Gabriel could leave United’s academy.
The player’s age creates an obvious complication, as Gabriel is only 15, meaning any potential move has to take into account the regulations governing the transfer of minors and the specific rules of English football.
There is nevertheless a legal route that could potentially help Real Madrid pursue the teenager, keeping the possibility of a future move alive despite the regulatory hurdles.
For now, the immediate issue is Gabriel’s status at Manchester United. Missing another competitive fixture and no longer training with the academy proves that there is no turning back, and Real Madrid are expected to strike when the time is right.
Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho backed by FC Porto president to revive Real Madrid fortunes: ‘Still one of the best in the world’
Andre Villas-Boas has thrown his support behind Jose Mourinho, insisting the Real Madrid manager remains one of the best coaches in world football despite the difficult challenge facing him at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The former Porto manager, now the club’s president, believes Mourinho is well suited to the task of rebuilding Real Madrid after being appointed by Florentino Perez last summer.
Real Madrid are still searching for their first major trophy after two disappointing campaigns, while Barcelona have made an imposing start to the season.
Villas-Boas backs Mourinho at Real Madrid
Mourinho’s appointment was intended to bring a change in fortunes after Real Madrid endured two seasons without a major title.
His task, however, has become more complicated with Barcelona establishing themselves as a formidable force at the start of the campaign.
Villas-Boas nevertheless believes his compatriot has the experience and personality required for the challenge.
“Jose Mourinho is still one of the best in the world; I’ve always known that. And now he’s managing the best club in the world.
“It’s a shame that Barcelona are in this state. He’s taking over at a great time, just as he did when he left Inter.
“But these are the challenges Mourinho enjoys the most,” he said, according to AS.
Barcelona present Mourinho’s biggest challenge
Real Madrid’s task is made harder by Barcelona’s current form. Flick’s side have emerged as the early pace-setters, leaving Mourinho with little margin for error as he attempts to close the gap.
The Clasico on October 25, therefore, will inevitably become one of the defining fixtures of the season, but Real Madrid first need to establish greater consistency before they can challenge Barcelona across the campaign.
Mourinho was brought in precisely because of his experience of managing at the highest level, and Villas-Boas believes that experience can now be decisive.
Sneijder also backs Real Madrid boss
Villas-Boas is not the only former Mourinho associate to offer a strong assessment of his ability to change Madrid’s fortunes.
Wesley Sneijder, who worked with Mourinho at Inter and before playing for Real Madrid, has also backed the Portuguese coach to solve the problems at the Bernabéu.
“Mourinho is the only manager capable of turning Real Madrid’s fortunes around,” he had said.
Indeed, Mourinho is one of the finest coaches available to manage the current Real Madrid dressing room, but Barcelona’s current form has put pressure on the Portuguese to deliver instantly.
