Manchester United's attacking talents are in focus as Michael Carrick's side prepare for a huge derby on Sunday
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 has continued to impress for Manchester United's academy sides(Image: Manchester United, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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It's back to domestic action for Manchester United this weekend, with rivals Manchester City heading to Old Trafford. Michael Carrick's team only have four points from their first three league matches, but they secured an impressive 4-0 win over Sabah in the Champions League.
Carrick will hope for a repeat of the 2-0 January win which set him on the way for the impressive results which earned him the manager's job on a permanent basis. That win came against Pep Guardiola, though, and the Catalan has since made way for Enzo Maresca.
United found the net five times in their last home league game against Ipswich Town, but are likely to find things tougher over the weekend. City go into the weekend in top spot, though they could be knocked off the summit by the time kick-off rolls around if Arsenal get a result against Sunderland on Saturday night.
The hosts may need to make full use of their attacking talents on Sunday and could end up considering themselves grateful they still have Marcus Rashford on their books. The England international is in focus as we bring you the latest lines from Old Trafford.
Gabriel progress in focus
Manchester United academy coach Adam Lawrence has shed light on JJ Gabriel's situation after another eye-catching display from the wonderkid. Gabriel bagged a hat-trick against Sabah in the UEFA Youth League but is still waiting for a competitive first-team chance.
"JJ is surrounded by people that really believe in him," Lawrence said of the 15-year-old. "From the top of the club right the way through. Where he's been at the club for so long, he's got good relationships with the players, with the staff.
"Over the course of time that helps as well. At the moment just in terms of his game, his games programme, his training programme, making sure that he's getting the right exposure across different levels.
"We're obviously not perfect but it's definitely something we put a lot of thought into. So yeah, it's good to see him just enjoying his football and in a good place for sure."
Rashford transfer decision explained
Marcus Rashford left winger of Barcelona and England during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou on May 10, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Barcelona opted against a permanent move for Marcus Rashford(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Barcelona transfer chief Deco has explained why the Catalan club opted to sign Anthony Gordon rather than Marcus Rashford over the summer. Rashford delivered goals and assists on loan last term but Barca opted for the more expensive Gordon rather than taking up their option on the United man.
"One of the things we saw that was difficult last year was the fact that, when we were without Raphinha, the team's energy seemed to drop," Deco told Marca. "We looked at many wingers, but signing players in the Premier League is almost impossible, you see the figures involved.
"He (Gordon_ was the profile that best fit. The great advantage is that the players are excited to come to our project."
Gordon has made an impressive start at Spotify Camp Nou, providing five assists in his first five matches. However, he still has some distance to go to match the 14 goals and 15 assists delivered by Rashford last term.