Michael Carrick has explained the JJ Gabriel ban at Man Utd and discussed the advice he gave Diego Leon about his Premier League adaptation struggles
Michael Carrick has been closely monitoring two Manchester United starlets ahead of a crucial weekend of Premier League football. Carrick’s squad take on Aston Villa at Old Trafford this Sunday in a potentially pivotal match in the battle for top-four this season.
United currently sit third in the league whilst Unai Emery’s Villa occupy fourth spot, with only goal difference distinguishing the two sides. Carrick will be acutely aware that defeating a direct competitor is vital to securing Champions League football next term.
The 44-year-old, who was named interim manager until the conclusion of this season in January, experienced his first defeat, a 2-1 away loss to Newcastle, earlier this month. Daily Star Sport examines two of the most significant United-related stories of recent days.
JJ Gabriel ban
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Carrick has clarified that United prodigy JJ Gabriel is ineligible to play for the first-team this season. Gabriel, who celebrated his 15th birthday in October, is not permitted to participate in matchday squads above Under-18 level, reports the Mirror.
This is due to him being just 14 when the 2025/26 season kicked off. Premier League regulations only permit a 15 year old to play provided they turn 15 by August 31 of the relevant season.
Carrick explained: “He is not allowed [to be part of a first-team squad on a matchday]. He’s too young. JJ’s doing really well. We’ve got some really good players in the academy and we try and get the younger players up [with the main group] as much as we can.”
Michael Carrick offers guidance
Diego Leon has disclosed the advice Carrick has provided him following his challenging introduction to life in Manchester. The 18-year-old left-back joined from Paraguayan outfit Cerro Porteno last summer but has yet to earn his first-team bow for his new club.
Leon told Versus Sports: “At the beginning it was a bit difficult, honestly. When I first arrived I didn’t understand any English. My girlfriend and I would go out and people would speak to us, and I felt very uncomfortable because they were talking and we didn’t understand anything.
“He told me to stay calm, to try to improve tactically and to attack more often, but when I attack I also have to come back with the same intensity.
“It’s pretty clear that I still have a long way to go. I lack maturity, the physical aspect, the tactical and technical aspects, but I feel like I’m improving. “