Manchester United face a big few days on and off the pitch, leading up to Sunday's derby against Manchester City
LEIGH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: JJ Gabriel of Manchester United U21 in action during the Premier League 2 match between Manchester United U21 and Leicester City U21 at Leigh Sports Village on August 31, 2026 in Leigh, England. (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
JJ Gabriel is waiting for a first taste of Premier League football(Image: Manchester United, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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It has been a challenging start to the season for Manchester United but they have a chance to kick-start their campaign against Sabah on Thursday night. The Azeri champions represent beatable opponents in the Champions League as one of the lower-ranked sides in the league phase.
Michael Carrick's side will be keen to solidify at the back after conceding twice each of their first three Premier League matches. Carlos Baleba, signed for up to £70million from Brighton, could add some much-needed protection for United's defence once he's ready to play after injury.
Baleba isn't expected back in time for Sunday's Manchester Derby. The lead-up to that match has seen planned fan protests come to light as supporters voice their concerns over off-field matters.
On the pitch, some supporters are waiting to learn when wonderkid JJ Gabriel might make his competitive debut. The club's plans for the teenager and the impending protest both feature as we bring you the latest lines from around Old Trafford.
Gabriel loan warning
Former United winger Ryan Giggs has warned the club that JJ Gabriel must remain part of the first-team setup throughout this campaign, despite ex-colleague Rio Ferdinand asking if a loan would benefit the youngster. Gabriel, 15, is now eligible for Premier League football and featured in pre-season but is still waiting for his competitive senior bow.
"Well, I think he is sort of a generational talent, he's got to stay," Giggs said on Rio Ferdinand Presents. "There's no point in going out on loan because he's at the best place and he'd be dipping in and out of the first team, so that experience is invaluable.
"Not only the games and the training, but actually travelling with the team, seeing the expectation of Man United, the focus is so huge on Manchester United, you need to get used to that.
"I think you go on loan when you're 19, 20, not, you know, the next few years, you expect him to, if he's going the same way, to be in the first team soon as a regular, not just dipping in and out. Sometimes you have to be patient, sometimes it gets to a point where you just can't not pick him and not have him train in the first team."
Fans to launch protest
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 1: Fans of Manchester United protest against the clubs ownership, The Glazer family ahead of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on February 1, 2026 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
A new protest is planned after demonstrations from United fans last season(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
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Manchester United supporters' group The 1958 is organising a demonstration before Sunday's Manchester Derby. The plans come amid claims fans have been unjustly banned as part of a ticket touting clampdown, with participants urged to assemble outside The Bishop Blaize pub from 3pm on matchday.
"A line has been crossed," the group wrote in a statement shared on social media. "Manchester United are sanctioning and banning loyal, generational Reds without, clear and compelling evidence.
"These owners want rid of lifelong matchgoers. Their strategy is clear to see. It's a cull! We challenged them. We demanded the unproven suspensions stop. They haven't listened. Show the evidence or lift the bans."