Manchester United boss Michael Carrick will be aiming to get his side back to winning ways in the Premier League after their Carabao Cup exit
Roy Keane
Roy Keane has given his verdict on a Manchester United issue(Image: Michael Regan - The FA, The FA via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Manchester United will be seeking to return to form as the side gears up for Premier League action this weekend. Michael Carrick will be desperate to see an immediate reaction from his players against Fulham on Sunday, with the club still smarting from their Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Brighton.
United appeared to be cruising into the next round after racing into a 2-0 lead within the opening 10 minutes against the Seagulls. However, Brighton staged a remarkable comeback to seal a 3-2 triumph at Old Trafford, piling pressure on Carrick in the dugout.
Teenage prodigy JJ Gabriel was absent from United's matchday squad for the cup tie after requesting the club cancel his registration. The 15-year-old had been a standout player in United's academy and appeared to have a clear route to the first team, with club legend Roy Keane weighing in on Gabriel's decision.
Meanwhile, former Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, who previously served on United's coaching staff, was in attendance to watch the recent Carabao Cup encounter from the stands. Here, MEN Sport examines some of the most significant stories surrounding the club below.
Former Man United manager target spotted at Old Trafford
Former Ipswich manager McKenna watched United's struggles in the Carabao Cup from the directors' box at Old Trafford. The 40-year-old, who has remained without a club since June, previously served alongside Carrick as part of United's coaching set-up before joining Ipswich in December 2021.
Throughout his tenure, McKenna twice got the Tractor Boys promoted to the Premier League before opting to leave this summer. United were interested in the Northern Irish coach two years ago before choosing to extend Erik ten Hag's contract.
When announcing his departure as Ipswich manager, McKenna said: "I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far."
Kieran McKenna
Kieran McKenna has been out of work since leaving Ipswich Town at the end of last season(Image: Warren Little/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Roy Keane gives honest verdict
United icon Keane has called on Gabriel to be patient as he waits for his first-team opportunities. The 15-year-old, who appeared for the club throughout pre-season, has yet to earn a place in a matchday squad this campaign, with Keane arguing that it is not the right time for the youngster to be thrust into Carrick's team.
Giving his thoughts on Gabriel's situation, Keane said on the Stick to Football podcast: "Are you telling me he can't wait? If you are 15 years of age and you're talking about playing for Man United's first team, just wait. Can you wait another six weeks if United get through the cup?
"Carrick's under pressure. Obviously, [Sir Alex] Ferguson would throw young lads into the first team. But United, they need wins [right now].
"I don't think United are in a position where they go, 'We can write off a cup game tonight and play a couple of young lads. We need to get momentum into the season. If some 15-year-old is spitting his dummy out, we'll deal with that.'"