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JJ Gabriel is highly thought of at Man Utd (Image: Getty)
Michael Carrick has confirmed his involvement in discussions surrounding JJ Gabriel's future at Manchester United. Reports surfaced on Tuesday revealing Gabriel had submitted a request to depart the club.
The development caught United officials off guard, particularly as plans were in place to include him in the matchday squad against Brighton with a possible debut on the cards. Had Gabriel featured on Wednesday evening, he would have become the club's youngest-ever player. United believe the matter can be resolved given the duration left on his contract. While Gabriel cannot be de-registered, he could potentially negotiate a transfer overseas upon turning 16 next month, as he possesses an Irish passport.
Gabriel's situation has commanded significant media attention in recent days, prompting questions for Carrick during his post-match press conference following the Brighton loss. "I just think we've got to be really careful of the whole situation, you know," he said.
"He's a young boy, he's 15, and for me, definitely, and from a club point of view, is looking after our younger players, their welfare, their well-being, their exposure, and I think we've got to be really, all of us, I think we've got to be really conscious of that, really, in this situation."
When questioned whether he participates in conversations regarding Gabriel's future or delegates such matters to club officials, Carrick replied: "No, as a club for sure, we're all involved in those conversations. I just think we've got to be very careful, you know, of that."
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Michael Carrick doesn't want to lose JJ Gabriel (Image: Getty)
Carrick expanded on the delicate nature of Gabriel's situation when speaking to Sky Sports. "It's more about the welfare, the care and the attention of JJ as a child, really," he said. "He's certainly a young man. The situation is what it is, but we have to be careful about the exposure on that one."
On the pitch, United are sleepwalking towards an early-season crisis. The 20-time English champions were knocked out in the first round of the League Cup by Brighton, ending one of their trophy hopes at the first hurdle.
It's made worse by the fact that United were 2-0 up at one point, and had failed to beat Manchester City with an extra man for most of the match on Sunday. From United's six matches across all competitions so far, they have won just two. A trip to Fulham is up next on Sunday for United.