JJ Gabriel makes big impression as Luis Enrique labelled ‘dream’ Man United boss
Manchester United youth star JJ Gabriel continues to impress for the Under-18s while he is made to wait for a first-team chance
Luis Enrique has been touted for the Manchester United job(Image: FRANCK FIFE, AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United are benefiting from a weekend break following their early exit from the FA Cup. The 2024 winners were knocked out by Brighton in the third round, whilst top-four rivals Liverpool and Chelsea have both faced additional fixtures to put extra miles in their legs.
Michael Carrick’s squad also have no midweek commitments, having missed out on European qualification this season thanks to their Europa League final defeat. This means that by the time they take on Aston Villa on March 15, they’ll have enjoyed more than a week without a match.
Victory over Unai Emery’s side could prove pivotal in the race for Champions League football. United and Villa are tied on points in third and fourth positions respectively, with Chelsea trailing the duo by just three points and Liverpool still in the mix.
Whatever unfolds between now and May has a chance of significantly influencing United’s managerial strategy and transfer activity. Here are the latest developments from around Old Trafford.
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Gabriel continues scoring streak
Manchester United prodigy JJ Gabriel delivered another standout performance on Saturday. The youngster was on target twice as United’s Under-18s thrashed Nottingham Forest, making the case for a first team chance when he becomes eligible to play Premier League football next season.
Gabriel’s opener arrived eight minutes before the interval when his strike from distance appeared to catch a deflection en route to the top corner. His second goal was even better with the teenager giving Forest defenders short shrift before bending a shot high beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.
Jay McEvoy, Louie Bradbury and Noah Ajayi were also on the scoresheet in a 5-2 victory for Darren Fletcher’s side. Gabriel has now netted 16 times in 18 league matches this campaign despite only celebrating his 15th birthday in October.
Luis Enrique backed
Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has heaped praise on Luis Enrique. The Paris Saint-Germain manager is amongst those who have been touted for the Old Trafford position should Michael Carrick not be handed the role on a permanent basis, although he could still choose to prolong his tenure in France.
“Luis Enrique would be a dream coach for Man United,” Evra told Stake as he offered his assessment of the ex-Spain and Barcelona boss. “I love the man, I love his philosophy, what he went through in his personal life and overcame it shows his personality.
“The job he’s done at PSG by bringing them a Champions League without Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe or Neymar, it’s a fantastic job. Players would have to work really hard to play for Man United, they’ll have to run a lot and I think Enrique would bring that.”
PSG have a big test against English opposition in midweek as they take on Chelsea in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash. They prepared for the game with defeat, though, losing at home to Monaco on Friday night.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.