Youngster JJ Gabriel issued a one-word response after being denied his senior debut in Manchester United's comfortable pre-season friendly victory on Friday. The 18-year-old was left waiting for his first taste of first-team football despite the comfortable win, though the nature of his one-word reaction remains undisclosed.
While Gabriel's snub dominated the post-match conversation, the focus remains on United's midfield rebuild. Mason Mount and new signing Andrey Santos have shone in the opening two pre-season games, including a 5-0 win over Rosenborg. Santos, signed for £83m from Chelsea, has impressed by sitting deep, taking the ball off defenders and pressurising opponents, allowing Mount to push forward.
“JJ Gabriel issued one-word response after being denied Man Utd debut; Mount and Santos impress in midfield.”
Mount, 27, has played mostly as an attacking midfielder but was brought to the club in 2023 for £55m partly for his ability to play centrally. After two injury-hit seasons, he made a consistent impact last term. Now, alongside Santos, the partnership is flourishing. "I've known Andre for a while," Mount said. "He's a little bit more defensive, so it allows me to push on a little bit more. Defensively, we're both players that want to get around it, put tackles in, win the ball back and be aggressive. I've really enjoyed it."
United have already spent heavily on Santos and Youri Tielemans, but with Manuel Ugarte ruled out for months with a knee injury and Casemiro leaving when his contract expired, a third midfielder is expected. Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Tyler Adams have been mentioned, as has Roma's Manu Kone. Real Madrid are said to be willing to discuss Aurelien Tchouameni, though his salary and fee contradict United's budget control amid searches for a left-sided player and a forward to complement Benjamin Sesko, who is recovering from a shin problem.
Carrick may already have his solution closer to home in Mount and Santos. For Gabriel, the wait continues.