Carrick praises Lacey's breakthrough as Gabriel exit saga clouds United's academy

Michael Carrick used his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester United’s trip to Fulham to celebrate Shea Lacey’s debut goal at Old Trafford, while sending an unmistakable message to JJ Gabriel — the 15-year-old winger who has been absent from Carrington all week after requesting his registration with the club be cancelled.

Lacey opened the scoring in the eighth minute of United’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton on Wednesday, and Carrick was effusive in his praise for the academy graduate. “It was amazing for Shea and his family and everyone at the academy,” the United head coach told MUTV. “I’ve seen him do that on the pitches outside there quite a few times and that’s his little spot — getting there and turning on his left foot and coming inside. I’m delighted for him.”

Carrick then broadened his remarks in a way that appeared directed squarely at Gabriel’s situation. “That’s why so many people in the academy work so hard and it’s what this club has been built upon,” he said. “Shea’s had that next moment, and we’ll see who brings it on to having the next opportunity because we always look forward to the next one.”

Gabriel, who joined United ahead of this summer’s pre-season tour, had been in line for a place in the first-team matchday squad for the Brighton cup tie before his exit request emerged. The teenager’s camp believes promises of senior involvement were broken: he played just eight minutes of first-team football during pre-season and was omitted from United’s Champions League squad, leaving him ineligible for last week’s UEFA Youth League fixture against Sabah FK — a game in which he had scored a hat-trick at youth level.

Gabriel has since been in Spain with his entourage, where talks with Barcelona and Real Madrid are understood to be possible. United rejected the request to cancel his registration and have not given up hope of persuading him to stay, though the prospect of him remaining at Old Trafford is increasingly uncertain.

In Gabriel’s absence, United’s development side lost 3-2 to Brentford U21s in Premier League 2 on Friday night, a result that underlines the depth of talent Carrick is managing — and the stakes involved in keeping it together.