Carrick confirms January transfer push as 16-year-old Gabriel nears United exit

Michael Carrick has confirmed Manchester United will be active in the January transfer window, vowing the club will come out of the month stronger, as the future of 16-year-old winger JJ Gabriel appears set to be resolved within days.

Carrick, whose side sit 13th in the Premier League after losses to Hull, Manchester City and Atlético Madrid, was asked about incoming signings ahead of Sunday’s trip to face Daniel Farke’s Leeds at Elland Road. “When the next transfer window comes, you want to plan and you want to make the best of it,” the 45-year-old said. “Without doubt, there’s opportunity because the transfer window is open. So we’ll definitely be looking at that and trying to come out stronger in whatever way that looks like.”

The manager declined to specify whether those plans include departures as well as arrivals, keeping his public focus firmly on the Leeds fixture.

On the subject of his own position amid mounting pressure, Carrick was equally measured. “I don’t need results. We all need results. It’s not about me — Manchester United is bigger than an individual,” he said. “It’s not about any individual player; it’s about this football club and its history.”

Meanwhile, Spanish outlet Sport reports that “the moment of truth is approaching” for Gabriel, the teenage forward who submitted a request last month to cancel his registration at United after the club ignored his demands for a seven-figure salary and guaranteed game time. He has since been training individually in Barcelona.

Real Madrid are said to be willing to meet Gabriel’s terms — a deal worth £8.5 million over three years, including bonuses for his family and agent. Bayern Munich sporting director Christoph Freund has publicly praised the teenager as a brilliant talent, while Barcelona chief Deco has denied the Catalan club hold any interest.

United appear to have little leverage to retain Gabriel, and a resolution to his situation is expected imminently.