Carrick urges caution over 15-year-old JJ Gabriel's desire to leave Manchester United

Michael Carrick called for restraint in the public discussion around JJ Gabriel after the Manchester United Under-21 head coach was asked about the teenager’s reported desire to leave Old Trafford following a 3-2 Carabao Cup third-round defeat to Brighton.

“We have to be a little bit careful on that one. He’s a 15-year-old boy. It’s more about the welfare, the care and the attention of JJ as a child really,” Carrick said. “The situation is what it is, but we have to be a little bit careful about the exposure and how we jump on that.”

The situation emerged on Tuesday when it was reported that Gabriel, widely regarded as one of the most exciting young talents at the club, had decided he wanted out. United had earmarked the Carabao Cup tie against Brighton as a potential debut for the youngster — a match in which he could have become the club’s youngest ever first-team player — but those plans were shelved once his intentions became clear.

United’s concern centres on Gabriel’s 16th birthday on 6 October. The club fear they may be powerless to prevent him from signing for an overseas club at that point, with Gabriel reportedly able to use his Irish passport to circumvent the protections that would ordinarily give United greater leverage in retaining a homegrown academy player.

Despite the Gabriel uncertainty, Carrick found cause for optimism in the performance of 19-year-old Shea Lacey, who opened the scoring with a composed left-footed finish before Mason Mount doubled United’s lead. Brighton ultimately prevailed 3-2 to knock United out of the competition.

“I couldn’t expect any more from Shea as a younger player starting the game. That’s what he’s good at, that’s what he’s done all the way through the age groups,” Carrick said. “I’ve seen it so many times, so for him to come onto the stage and do that is a big plus. He can be pleased with his night — his performance and his goal is a big plus for him.”