Manchester United boss Michael Carrick intends to keep JJ Gabriel and three other youngsters amongst his ranks this season.
The Red Devils boast one of the most talent-packed academies in the country, as proven by the impressive results their youth teams registered last season, especially U21 and U18 sides.
But unfortunately for these young men, there are only limited spots in the first team, so many of them are bound to depart, despite being worthy of a chance.
JJ Gabriel among four Man Utd teenagers wanted by Carrick
In the early days of pre-season, Carrick has been able to closely monitor a host of young players who joined the senior camp, filling in for the World Cup stars who have been given extra time off.
According to The Daily Mail correspondent Chris Wheeler, the manager has already drawn some conclusions, deciding which U21 starlets he would like to keep, and which will be either sold or loaned out.
The journalist believes that almost all the youngsters who are taking part in the pre-season preparations are considered available on the market, except for four teenagers.
The first is JJ Gabriel, who is widely deemed as the crown jewel of United’s youth academy. The 15-year-old, dubbed ‘kid Messi’, stole the limelight last season with his sensational displays with the U18 side, and is now expected to be promoted to Man Utd U21, while occasionally featuring with the seniors.
In addition to Gabriel, the Fletcher twins, Jack and Tyler, are both expected to stay at the club, as is Shea Lacey. All three 19-year-olds made their senior debuts last season.
On the contrary, MUFC told Toby Collyer, Harry Amass, Dan Gore, and Radek Vitek that first-team opportunities could be scarce next season, thus urging them to find new clubs. These four players could be set for permanent sales.
Will Gabriel, Lacey & the Fletchers be handed prominent roles?
First things first, Gabriel is unlikely to play regularly at his tender age, but earning his senior debut would be a promising sign of things to come.
On the contrary, Lacey has already shown flashes of brilliance and is composed enough to play at the senior level. However, the challenge is finding space on the right wing, with Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo vying for a starting role.
The Liverpool native has been tested as an attacking midfielder in pre-season, but he would have Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount ahead of him in this role.
Regarding the Fletchers, Carrick seems to favour Tyler, who generally operates in a slighly deeper role than Jack, who is viewed as a more attacking-minded option. While neither is expected to unlock a starting role, an injury crisis in midfield could see them earn valuable time, while occasional opportunities in the Carabao Cup may come by.
Michel is a football journalist based in Beirut who has been passionately following Man United for over 20 years. He is a Law graduate and a member of the Beirut Bar Association. In addition to writing for Utd Report, he is also the Head Writer for The Laziali has been a Featured Writer on other websites including Juve FC, and The Cult of Calcio, and Stretty News.
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