Manchester United have plenty to deal with after the Manchester derby defeat, with the latest headlines ranging from JJ Gabriel’s uncertain future to the injury situation at Old Trafford.
Gary Lineker has questioned Benjamin Sesko’s lack of starts, Fabian Hurzeler has warned United ahead of Brighton, while Howard Webb has explained the controversial Bruno Fernandes VAR decision.
Here are the main Manchester United news and talking points from today.
Paul Merson urges JJ Gabriel to be patient
Paul Merson has urged JJ Gabriel to be patient as the Manchester United academy star considers his future. In our full Paul Merson story, Merson described the 15-year-old as an “unbelievable talent” and suggested Gabriel may be looking at opportunities being given to other young players.
Merson also warned that losing Gabriel would be a major setback for United, saying the teenager could attract interest from clubs around the world.
Brighton boss sends warning to United
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler expects Manchester United to produce a strong response when the two sides meet in the Carabao Cup. Our full Brighton story covers Hurzeler’s belief that United will be determined to react after their derby defeat.
Brighton, meanwhile, will focus on their own style and principles. Hurzeler wants his team to show belief, maintain their identity and get the small details right.
Real Madrid enter race for JJ Gabriel
JJ Gabriel’s situation has attracted further attention, with Real Madrid reportedly intensifying their interest in the Manchester United teenager. As explained in our full Real Madrid story, Barcelona have also been linked with the youngster after his reported request to leave Old Trafford.
The report claims Real Madrid are keen to beat Barcelona to Gabriel’s signature as uncertainty continues over his future at United.
Carrick provides injury update
Michael Carrick has provided updates on several injured Manchester United players ahead of Brighton. In our full injury report, Carrick confirmed Carlos Baleba remains sidelined with an ankle problem and could still be a few weeks away.
Matthijs de Ligt has returned to training following his back injury, although United are managing his recovery carefully. Amad will also miss this week and remains out for longer.
Premier League yellow-card rules explained
Our full guide to the Premier League yellow-card rules explains how accumulating bookings can lead to suspensions during the season.
Players reaching five yellow cards before the end of their club’s 19th league match receive a one-match suspension. After that point, the threshold rises to 10 yellow cards before the 32nd match, which brings a two-match suspension.
Lineker questions Sesko decision
Gary Lineker has questioned Michael Carrick’s decision-making over Benjamin Sesko’s lack of starts. In our full Sesko story, Lineker pointed out that Benjamin Sesko scored against Everton and Sabah but was still left out against Manchester City.
Sesko has scored twice this season, while Lineker questioned whether Matheus Cunha is better suited to the No.10 position rather than leading the attack.
United eye Tyrick Mitchell
Manchester United are keeping tabs on Tyrick Mitchell’s contract situation at Crystal Palace. Our full Mitchell transfer story reports that the 27-year-old is due to become a free agent at the end of the season.
Former United chief scout Mick Brown believes Mitchell is already highly regarded at Old Trafford and could become a serious target if he does not sign a new Palace contract.
Howard Webb explains Fernandes VAR decision
Howard Webb has addressed the controversial incident involving Bruno Fernandes and Phil Foden in the Manchester derby. In our full VAR story, Webb backed Foden’s red card but explained that Fernandes’ kick was considered a yellow-card offence rather than violent conduct.
Webb added that VAR cannot intervene to issue a yellow card retrospectively, meaning Fernandes could not be punished through the technology.
Giggs urges patience with JJ Gabriel
Ryan Giggs has also spoken about Gabriel’s situation. Our full JJ Gabriel story reports that the teenager has reportedly asked to leave and stopped attending training, although the claims have not been verified by United or Gabriel’s representatives.
Giggs previously urged patience with the youngster’s development, pointing to the difficulty of balancing first-team involvement with getting regular minutes. He also highlighted the experience available to Gabriel at United through figures such as Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Jonny Evans. However, the latest development sees JJ Gabriel asking for an exit.
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Paul Merson urges JJ Gabriel to be patient with his career
Paul Merson urges JJ Gabriel to be patient with his career
Man Utd injury news: Carrick updates on Baleba, De Ligt
Man Utd injury news: Carrick updates on Baleba, De Ligt