With Manchester United dealing with problems on and off the pitch, we're rounding up the latest headlines from Old Trafford
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick has sent JJ Gabriel a message(Image: Getty Images)
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It has been a difficult start to the season for Manchester United, who have won just one of their opening five matches. Michael Carrick's side suffered a 1-0 defeat to neighbours Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend, while their campaign began with a surprise 2-0 loss to newly promoted Hull.
They were also knocked out of the League Cup by Brighton in midweek, throwing away a two-goal lead to lose 3-2. Things have not been much smoother away from the pitch, either, with injuries continuing to disrupt Carrick's squad.
And now academy diamond JJ Gabriel is pushing to leave the club amid growing uncertainty behind the scenes. The teenager is regarded as one of the most promising young players in world football and has been tipped for a big future at Old Trafford, making his situation an unwelcome development for United.
It has, then, been an unsteady opening to the campaign for the Red Devils, who appear to have lost much of the momentum and optimism they built at the back-end of last season. With that in mind, here are the latest Manchester United headlines:
Carrick sends JJ Gabriel message
Michael Carrick appears to have sent an indirect message to wantaway youngster JJ Gabriel after academy graduate Shea Lacey scored his first goal for Manchester United against Brighton on Wednesday.
Lacey, 19, started on the right wing and opened the scoring after just seven minutes, cutting inside before smashing the ball home with his left foot. The teenager is the latest United academy graduate to make an early impression in the first team, and Carrick was quick to recognise the significance of his achievement.
"I'm delighted for him," he said. "The way the game pans out and the finish of the game and the result, I think it takes it away a little bit but, when the dust settles and he can have a moment, I think he can be very proud of himself because it was a big moment for him."
JJ Gabriel has asked to leave Manchester United
JJ Gabriel has asked to leave Manchester United(Image: (Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images))
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Carrick then appeared to hint at the importance of United's next generation when discussing who might follow Lacey into the first team.
"So many people in the academy work so hard and it's what this club has been built upon. So Shea's had that moment... and we'll see who brings it on to having the next opportunity because we always look forward to the next one."
Gabriel had initially been tipped to be included in the squad against Brighton but was ultimately left out. The 15-year-old made his senior debut in a pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid in August, playing just eight minutes, and has not featured for the first team since.
Gerrard weighs in on JJ Gabriel situation
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard spoke about the saga involving JJ Gabriel before Saturday afternoon's lunchtime kick-off between Tottenham and Aston Villa.
Gerrard pointed to Manchester United's long-standing record of developing young players and insisted that Old Trafford is a very good environment for Gabriel's progression.
"I don't know what's been said or promised behind the scenes, but from the outside this stinks to me that someone is forcing it and pushing it and rushing it. And I don't think it's going to help the kid in any way shape or form," Gerrard said on TNT Sports.
"It scares me that kids can be rushed or careers can be forced. I don't know the details with JJ Gabriel, but if you look at it all, he's at one of the biggest clubs in the world. They have a history and a tradition of producing fantastic players... when they feel like he's ready, they'll play him.
"These talents, they have parents, they have agents and they outside influencers that force and they push too soon... and it can affect the kid's career."
Chelsea icon Joe Cole shared Gerrard's concerns, saying: "He's at a fantastic club with a great reputation of bringing players through. They develop, they look after players. Behind the scenes, the advisors... why would you want to leave that club when he's clearly wanted and clearly they want to help him push on."
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