Manchester United desperately need a win they travel to face Fulham this weekend, with Michael Carrick under pressure after a nightmare week
Manchester United are hoping to bounce back when they face Fulham on Sunday with under pressure Michael Carrick in desperate need of a big win.
The Red Devils were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton at home on Wednesday, surrendering a 2-0 lead to lose at Old Trafford – the first time that has happened in 50 years – after suffering defeat in the Manchester derby in controversial circumstances just days earlier.
Young prodigy JJ Gabriel, the star prospect in the club’s academy, was absent from United’s matchday squad for the cup tie after requesting to leave. The 15-year-old sparked concern with his decision that his future could be best served away from the Premier League giants. Here’s the latest news from Old Trafford.
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Roy Keane delivers candid assessment
Manchester United icon Roy Keane has encouraged JJ Gabriel to bide his time for his first-team debut, reports the Mirror.
The 15-year-old, who played for the club during pre-season, has yet to feature in a matchday squad this season, and Keane feels it isn’t the right moment for the young player to be integrated into Carrick’s side.
Delivering his assessment of 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’.”
Unemployed manager seen at Old Trafford
Ex-Ipswich chief Kieran McKenna observed United’s struggles in the Carabao Cup from the directors’ box at Old Trafford.
The 40-year-old, who has been without a job since June, previously served alongside Carrick as part of United’s coaching setup before launching his managerial journey with Ipswich in December 2021.
Throughout his tenure, McKenna’s team secured back-to-back promotions to reach the Premier League before he decided to step down this summer.
United had previously been touted as potential suitors for the Northern Irishman’s services two years ago, but instead chose to extend Erik ten Hag’s deal.
Upon his departure as Ipswich manager, McKenna stated: “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.”
He has again been suggested as one of the possible replacements for struggling Carrick if United do decide to make yet another change in the dugout.