Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is helping the club's long-term future as his side prepare for Premier League action
JJ Gabriel of Manchester United
JJ Gabriel is among Manchester United's top academy prospects(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Manchester United are approaching a crucial weekend in the Premier League while also preparing for their long-term future. Michael Carrick's squad are gearing up to face rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.
The Reds are seeking a return to winning form in the league after their eventful draw with Everton last weekend. The United manager has numerous options available to him but may also turn to the club's academy to strengthen his matchday squad.
Carrick has monitored the academy teams closely since his return to United at the beginning of the year. JJ Gabriel was among the youngsters given opportunities with the first team during pre-season and a rule change during the manager's tenure is poised to benefit academy prospects.
Meanwhile, the Premier League have approved United's request concerning their upcoming fixtures. MEN Sport examines some of the most significant stories surrounding the club.
Premier League request granted
The Premier League have responded to appeals from United and fellow clubs by agreeing to release their festive fixture schedule. The Reds pushed for the league and broadcasters to reach an earlier decision on which matches would be shown on television in December, giving supporters more time to make plans.
The Daily Mail reports that United held talks with senior Premier League and broadcast officials, requesting that the information be published more than a month earlier than the previous year. The announcement confirming the club would host Newcastle on Boxing Day 2025 was made on October 31.
The Football Supporters Association is said to have been involved in discussions about bringing the announcement forward to help supporters plan their travel. All fixtures had originally been listed as 3pm kick-offs on Boxing Day, though these were subject to change.
It has been announced that United will host Nottingham Forest on Sunday, December 27, in a 4.30pm kick-off. The squad will also face Sunderland at Old Trafford in a 7.30pm game on Wednesday, December 30.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick has overseen a key change for Manchester United's academy teams(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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JJ Gabriel gets first team boost
United's academy talents have been handed a lift in their efforts to break into the first team, with the club's U21 outfit now mirroring Carrick's system. Under the new approach, U21 coach Adam Lawrence has switched from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The policy being rolled out during Carrick's reign will provide all academy prospects with a smoother transition into the first team, as players will already be well-versed in the demands of their position. The Daily Mail reports that the side have also adopted Carrick's use of a false nine, replicating the manager's deployment of Matheus Cunha.
There are suggestions that Chido Obi's loan departure and academy forward Louie Bradbury's move to Stoke City could indicate a long-term shift away from traditional strikers. Meanwhile, the tactical switch will enable 15-year-old wonderkid Gabriel to develop in Bruno Fernandes' position as he establishes himself within the U21 setup.