Manchester United will look to bounce back from their Premier League defeat to Manchester City as they face Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
Manchester United host Brighton in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening. Michael Carrick had planned to name 15-year-old JJ Gabriel in his matchday squad, but the teenager has shockingly requested to leave the club.
Carrick's United haven't started the season in flying form. An opening day 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hull City was quickly forgotten about with a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town. But a disappointing 2-2 draw against Everton came next, followed by a 4-0 win over Sabah FK in the Champions League, then a derby-day defeat against Manchester City.
United failed to score and were held off by the 10-man City on Sunday at Old Trafford, with questions now being asked about the squad. Wednesday evening gives Carrick's side the perfect chance to bounce back in the Carabao Cup against Brighton.
Fans had hoped they might see Gabriel on the teamsheet, with the 15-year-old touted as one of the club's most promising young talents. But that now seems unlikely. Mirror Football takes a look at this bombshell and more news coming out of United.
JJ Gabriel's request
United have been left in a state of shock after Gabriel, who was likely to be handed a spot on the bench and could even have made his competitive debut against the Seagulls, has asked to leave.
Gabriel's request emerged on Tuesday afternoon and it is understood he refused to train with the club in an attempt to quit. He would have become United's youngest-ever player if he had officially debuted against Brighton. Club chiefs have been left bamboozled by the decision and are unsure what exactly has caused this demand to leave. Gabriel has been with United since the age of 11.
However, the club feels the situation is rectifiable. It is understood Gabriel cannot be deregistered, despite his request. He can't sign a professional contract until he turns 17, or a scholarship agreement until he turns 16, but under current rules, he is registered to United until at least the end of this season.
Director Jason Wilcox had to jump in when Gabriel asked to leave the club in 2025 and he was convinced to stay. Gabriel could move abroad when he turns 16 as he has an Irish passport. Barcelona hold a firm interest in the starlet, although clubs in both Germany and England are sure to be on high alert.
Wayne Rooney questions transfer
Elsewhere, United legend Wayne Rooney has questioned Carrick and the club's summer transfer decisions, specifically the signing of Andrey Santos from Chelsea.
Speaking on Stick to United after the City loss, Rooney said: "We need to be a bit more clever with the players we're bringing in. What I don't understand is that we've signed [Youri] Tielemans and Santos and then we signed [Carlos] Baleba, who I think is a good signing.
"But then you've got Santos on the bench. So then, when Baleba is fit, is Tielemans gonna go to the bench? Is [Kobbie] Mainoo gonna go to the bench?
"Then you'd have two players you've brought in [benched] or one of your younger players who has probably been United's best player over the last couple of games in Mainoo, on the bench.
"If that's the case, if Carrick doesn't fancy Santos for whatever reason, that signing has still been made, so why has that money not been used on full-backs or another striker?"
WNMessi1989
0
JJ Gabriel case - must be something towards his personal - development, path, compensation & etc - nothing to do with how the 1st team performance result. It’s something more than that
WNMessi1989
0
Who is the MU Club Chief you refer to? Put up the name if you have the insight - else shut up and don’t speculate.
Tobbclnpry
0
wise move 😉
zamacdklsu
1
Rooney is very right,i don't see the singning of Santos necessary bc we have Maino,Tielemans,Baleba and Mount in the nid field while the are other holes to be lock like left back and a striker adding B sesko like Osimeh
Carringtonlife
0
For me let man Utd allow him to go. Such players can never produce for the team. Remember, as a kid this is his second request to leave. keeping him is just another waste of precious time
kolonegooner
0
he will never get a chance under carrick , we are looking for a left back but we have Amass not yet given a chance Carrick will never be a top coach 16yrs old scored 2 goals at Arsenal yesterday, Yamal was 16 at Barcelona, Utd is a shit
has Carrick got full run of the selection of players OR is he told to play certain players always .... questions to be asked.
kolonegooner
0
Youngster, Arsenal has a brilliant path for you, bring your skillset to town - the Red side of North London.....ask Maximus 🤩
Vokablnrsz
1
That's a very good question asked by Wayne Rooney
D-Maestreo
0
He maybe a future star but he's still a "boy" he believes he's ready for the big boys game and his impatience coupled with his youth is clouding his judgement. JJ stay where your wanted your time will come.
The thing is for a player of his talent, he needs a bigger team like City, Barcelona, Bayern or PSG. He can't achieve his full potential at Man United. He can't win consistently there as well. It's reasonable that he wants to leave.
jouelnptuz
0
he will never get a chance under carrick , we are looking for a left back but we have Amass not yet given a chance Carrick will never be a top coach 16yrs old scored 2 goals at Arsenal yesterday, Yamal was 16 at Barcelona, Utd is a shit
Lawcdeil
0
to be frank Carrick should have used that boy against sabbah, Carrick isn't a smart coach
Er, who's "Frank Carrick?" surly you mean Michael Carrick
Lawcdeil
0
He maybe a future star but he's still a "boy" he believes he's ready for the big boys game and his impatience coupled with his youth is clouding his judgement. JJ stay where your wanted your time will come.
wesdmnrtyz
2
Carrick please used this formation for today and see the real potential of it
kowdelrstu
1
He’s coming to Barcelona mark my words, a club of polishing talents, a club of making kids great Visca Barća 🥰🥰🥰🔥🔥🔥🔥🔴🔵🔴
boecdempuy
1
yes it's good ideal to leave the useless club, because they get younger talented player but refuse to promote the them to senior team like wise lacey.this united club is very worst among the club
roybmnoyz
0
This boy has been brainwashed..he should keep patience.still too early to make career decisions
leabcnos
0
this club is filled with mad people the boy is confused he doesn't know where he is as a result he wants to leave and be with normal people who will support his achievements, I'm a man united fan and I don't see the future clearly for man u, I'm sure those surrounded jj Gabriel have seen it and they have advised the boy which is okay, so if we need Gabriel the club has to provide a clear picture for him at the club simple
ignasiuskasire
2
i wish he doesn't end up like the rest of them.
Bendiho
1
you people are saying give him opportunities to play why this just a beginning of a new season and a lots of matches still ahead , so the advicers to jj are wrong and should bears it in their mind that he's only 15 years old
water0147
0
even max dowman in arsenal has seen opportunity
water0147
0
Harry Amass and Shea Lacey are playing, he's seeing players like yamal, pedri, gavi and all man utd keep doing is make empty promises to him and he doesn't even make the bench. he wants to play and i don't blame any player for that. he's not fighting to be a starter he just wants a chance on the big stage
gudiest01
2
to be frank Carrick should have used that boy against sabbah, Carrick isn't a smart coach
jiabeikop
2
When the young one’s are been denied opportunity what else do you think ? I support the lad 100%
Alphasillah
2
can someone tell the cause of the decision made by our young talent to leave?
niwbcdelsu
0
only leaving this club will benefit him
dibdeistz
1
Something triggered his decision. it should be handled without delay.
Emchi
1
Let him go nah. This is how fall starts because you feel so, so special.
Yuoailopry
1
I understand the situation of JJ GABRIEL. he's a talented young player and we all hear about the prospect how good he is. I'd the man wants leave let him leave no kid is bigger than the club