The MEN takes a look at the latest updates from Old Trafford
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United celebrates scoring their third goal during the U18 Premier League between Manchester United U18s and Nottingham Forest U18s at Carrington Training Ground on March 07, 2026 in Manchester, England.
JJ Gabriel is one of Manchester United's most talented youngsters(Image: Zohaib Alam - MUFC, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick has been closely monitoring two Manchester United youngsters ahead of a crucial weekend of Premier League action.
Carrick's side take on Aston Villa at Old Trafford this Sunday in a game that could prove pivotal in the race for the top-four this season. United currently sit third in the table, with Unai Emery's Villa just behind in fourth, separated only by goal difference.
The United boss will know all too well that beating a direct rival is key to securing Champions League football next term. The 44-year-old, who took over as interim manager until the end of this season in January, experienced his first defeat, a 2-1 away loss to Newcastle, earlier this month.
He'll be aiming to return to winning ways on home turf this Sunday, as The MEN examines two of the most significant United-related stories of late.
JJ Gabriel ban
Carrick has explained that United sensation JJ Gabriel is ineligible to play for the first-team this season. Gabriel, who celebrated his 15th birthday in October, is not allowed to be included in matchday squads above Under-18 level.
This is due to him being only 14 when the 2025/26 season kicked off. Premier League regulations stipulate that a 15-year-old can only play if they turn 15 by August 31 of the season in question.
Carrick explained: "He is not allowed [to be part of a first-team squad on a matchday]. He’s too young. JJ’s doing really well. We’ve got some really good players in the academy and we try and get the younger players up [with the main group] as much as we can."
Carrick also hailed Gabriel as a "big talent" and a future star, saying: "We’re always trying to give them that exposure. JJ is a big talent, it is pretty obvious and he has had a good season for U18s. We think an awful lot of him.
"But patience is important in managing everything that comes with that and developing him and picking the right moment to step up, to leave them in a certain place. He’s trained well and it is good to have young players up."
Carrick's advice
Diego Leon of Manchester United during the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and Leeds United at Strawberry Arena on July 19, 2025 in Solna, Sweden.
Summer signing Diego Leon hasn't played for United's first-team yet this season(Image: Getty Images)
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Diego Leon has opened up about the advice Carrick gave him following his difficult introduction to life in Manchester. The 18-year-old left-back arrived from Paraguayan outfit Cerro Porteno last summer but has yet to feature for the first team, having been named on the bench on only three occasions earlier in the season.
Speaking to Versus Sports, Leon admitted: "At the beginning it was a bit difficult, honestly. When I first arrived I didn’t understand any English. My girlfriend and I would go out and people would speak to us, and I felt very uncomfortable because they were talking and we didn’t understand anything."
When asked about the guidance Carrick had provided, Leon revealed: "He told me to stay calm, to try to improve tactically and to attack more often, but when I attack I also have to come back with the same intensity.
"It's pretty clear that I still have a way to go. I lack maturity, the physical aspect, the tactical and technical aspects, but I feel like I'm improving. They tell me to stay calm and that it's quite normal. They tell me that coming from Paraguay makes a huge difference. The Premier League isn't easy.
"The thing that surprised me the most was the intensity. On the first day we did a small-sided game. I went to press a player and before I could even get close, the ball was already behind me again. The speed of play forced him to adapt quickly. It was very fast. I realised straight away how big the difference is."