Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Manchester United fans will not want to dwell on their Manchester derby defeat for too long.
Frustration levels are alarmingly high among the Manchester United fanbase following an unjust 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
ProRef apologised to United for making a costly error in allowing Erling Haaland’s goal that gifted all three points to the visitors.
Thankfully for Michael Carrick, United’s next match is just around the corner with a Carabao Cup clash against Brighton on the horizon. It is a golden opportunity for conversation to focus on JJ Gabriel.
Manchester United U21 v Ipswich Town U21: Premier League 2
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
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JJ Gabriel could make Man United debut vs Brighton
Over the summer, JJ Gabriel became United’s youngest debutant when he faced Atletico Madrid in a friendly match.
The 15-year-old is now awaiting his competitive debut. Last season, Gabriel wasn’t eligible to play in the first team because of his age. Now, he is available and could make his debut as soon as this Wednesday evening against Brighton.
Gabriel is in fine form after scoring a hat-trick in the Uefa Youth League last week. He is clearly far too good for youth football already, and Carrick could test him against Brighton.
Currently, the hot talking point is United being robbed of points against City, but an exciting debut from Gabriel would help to calm the narrative around the club and the underwhelming start to the season.
However, that is a huge amount of pressure to put on a teenage footballer.
JJ Gabriel celebrates, in Man Utd red kit
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
Man United must handle JJ Gabriel expectations
While the case for Gabriel’s debut is clear, the defeat to City could also postpone his first competitive outing.
All of a sudden, Carrick finds himself needing a positive result, and giving an opportunity to 15-year-old Gabriel may have to wait.
On top of that, piling pressure on Gabriel to change the narrative is a lot to ask of a talent who already has to deal with immense media speculation.
READ MORE: Is JJ Gabriel eligible to play in the Champions League for Manchester United in 2026/27
Gabriel is still developing, both technically and physically, and he deserves patience before being expected to deliver on the big stage.
The idea of a Gabriel debut this week will undoubtedly excite the United fanbase, but supporters should also temper their expectations.