Man Utd news: Barcelona make position clear on JJ Gabriel and academy star signs pro contract

Manchester United won't be in action for another two weeks with the international break in full flow but there's still plenty going on behind the scenes

Manchester United will be back in exactly two weeks as the extended international break continues. Michael Carrick's side have endured a difficult start to the season.

Club football has been put on hold as players have jetted off to represent their respective national teams. But that hasn't paused the discourse surrounding United. In five top-flight matches so far, they've won just once against Ipswich Town.

United began the season with a 2-0 loss to Hull City and have also lost 1-0 to Manchester City. They drew with both Everton and Fulham, their last game before the break. Carrick's team have also been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton but did win their Champions League opener against Sabah FK.

Not to mention, behind the scenes, there have also been complications with one of the club's most promising youngsters, JJ Gabriel, who has requested that his registration be cancelled. An update has now been issued regarding Barcelona's interest in the 15-year-old. Mirror Football brings you all the latest from Old Trafford.

Barcelona chief speaks out about JJ Gabriel

Last week, 15-year-old Gabriel requested that his United registration be terminated. As he is not old enough to sign a scholarship agreement or a pro contract, this would have been the only way for him to become a free agent and therefore leave for another club.

United denied this request to leave, but would be powerless to prevent Gabriel from leaving when he turns 16 on October 6. Because he qualifies for an EU passport via his Irish and Cypriot heritage, he could, in theory, move to another side in continental Europe after this date.

Barcelona were one club rumoured to be interested and reports even suggested that Gabriel and his representatives flew in to hold talks with La Blaugrana. However, their sporting director, Deco, has now shut down these suggestions.

"There's nothing to say about this boy," Deco said at the Portugal Football Summit. "It's normal that players are linked with us. It always happens. There's a huge market for that with a lot of interests involved, even when [players] are young.

"But we are not interested in any player in his situation. I'm not sure what's happening, and if he's still a Manchester United player. We are not involved in that. First of all, we need to understand how the situation is before we try to do something. To speak about young, teenage players, it is not our business."

Academy winger signs new long-term deal

Elsewhere, one of Gabriel's team-mates, Noah Ajayi, has signed his first professional contract at the club. The 17-year-old prospect has impressed this season and last.

Ajayi is a regular for United's Under-18s, with whom he has played alongside Gabriel, and represents Germany at youth level, having been born in Hamburg.

United released a statement announcing Ajayi's contract, reading: "Exciting youngster Noah Ajayi has committed his future to Manchester United. The 17-year-old winger has signed a long-term professional contract.

"Ajayi was a stand-out for Darren Fletcher's Under-18s side last season, making important contributions to help the young Reds reach the FA Youth Cup final.

"Everyone at Manchester United is delighted that Noah has signed a new deal and looks forward to seeing him progress."