Manchester United can ill-afford to lose any midfielders at the moment, but it looks as if another one is heading out the exit door at Old Trafford.
18-year old Ravel Morrison is widely regarded as one of the best prospects to emerge from United’s youth system in ages but has been involved in a series of off the field incidents in recent years.
Last year, he was found guilty of two counts of witness intimidation, a crime far more serious than the average toilet-seat stealing misdemeanour often associated with footballers.
Staff at the club are also believed to have lost patience with his supposedly poor attitude and lack of application on the training pitch.
Morrison’s contract runs out in the summer and he has already been the subject of a bid from Newcastle United as it looks increasingly likely that he will not be retained at Old Trafford. The Magpies have had a bid of £500,000 rejected as the Red Devils are holding out for higher fee and looking to ensure that they will receive a significant percentage of any future sale.
Morrison made his senior United debut in October 2010 having produced a series of dazzling performances at underage level for United and England.
Alex Ferguson is said to be a huge admirer and his loss will be even more keenly felt considering that he is a creative midfielder, the type of player sadly lacking at Old Trafford at present. The future of another much-hyped youngster, Paul Pogba, is also thought to be in major doubt.
Talented and all as he is, Fergie clearly doesn’t think he is worth the hassle and Newcastle are one of a number of clubs ready to pounce, with Arsenal also thought to be interested.
News of Morrison’s likely departure marks a turbulent 24 hours for United fans, who are still reeling from the terrible loss of Darron Gibson overnight.
