Manchester United are preparing to host West Ham United on Thursday night, and Ruben Amorim has made his stance clear on Red Devils wonderkid JJ Gabriel as transfer interest builds
08:18, 04 Dec 2025
DERBY, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: JJ Gabriel of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their team's third goal during the U18's Premier League match between Derby County and Manchester United at Moor Farm Training Centre on August 30, 2025 in Derby, England. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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JJ Gabriel is the talk of the town at Manchester United(Image: Manchester United, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United are gearing up to take on West Ham United at Old Trafford, aiming to build on their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace away from home last weekend.
Ruben Amorim's team found themselves trailing at half-time in south London after Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a penalty, but they rallied in the second half. Goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount helped United recover from their home defeat to Everton the previous week.
Amorim has confirmed that Matheus Cunha is back in the running to face the Hammers on Thursday night, although there are a couple of fitness concerns within his squad. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at some of the key talking points surrounding United.
JJ Gabriel transfer situation
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 29: JJ Gabriel of Manchester United celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the U18 Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Liverpool FC Academy on November 29, 2025 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Poppy Townson - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Barcelona are interested in signing Manchester United wonderkid JJ Gabriel(Image: Poppy Townson - MUFC, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United are optimistic about retaining young academy star JJ Gabriel despite interest from Barcelona. The 15-year-old caught the eye after scoring a hat-trick for United's U18 side at the weekend in the 7-0 demolition of Liverpool, taking his tally to 10 goals in as many matches this season.
Barcelona have previously invited Gabriel and his family to visit the Camp Nou, where the promising United player met with first-team stars and toured the club's facilities. However, United are resolute in their determination to resist Barcelona's ongoing interest in the England U16 international.
United manager Amorim, who has already brought Gabriel into training sessions, has shared his thoughts on the youngster: "Like everyone, I know he is a really talented guy and everyone paid attention on social media. You could see the U21s had a game and we had less players and tried to pick players for training that have talent.
"Not just for me to see for tomorrow but for them to feel what it means to be in the first team, the difficulties playing against our defenders, the difficulty of our training, the pace. If we can use every training we have to show the kids what they need to do to be here, it is important, not just for JJ but for everyone."
Scott McTominay message
MILAN, ITALY - DECEMBER 01: Scott McTominay of Napoli during Gran Gala' Del Calcio Aic 2025 on December 01, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
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Scott McTominay was named Serie A Player of the Year(Image: Image Photo Agency, Getty Images)
Scott McTominay has made it abundantly clear that he harbours no second thoughts about his choice to depart Manchester United. The 28-year-old moved to Napoli last summer and enjoyed a spectacular season as he contributed to the club's Serie A triumph.
After being crowned Serie A Player of the Year at the Gran Gala del Calcio awards, McTominay declared: "Coming to Napoli was an easy choice, I came to the right place."
McTominay racked up 255 appearances for his childhood club. Nevertheless, departing United has provided the Scotland international with a fresh start.
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He continued: "It's sensational, it's incredible to be here and win this award. Thank you to everyone, the team, the staff, and my teammates. My bond with Napoli is special, there are so many special places here."