Man Utd news: Roy Keane gives honest verdict as out-of-work manager spotted at Old Trafford

Manchester United will look to return to winning ways as the team prepares for Premier League action this weekend. Michael Carrick will hope to see an immediate response from his side against Fulham on Sunday, with the club reeling from their Carabao Cup exit to Brighton .

United appeared on course to sail into the next round after going 2-0 up in the opening 10 minutes against the Seagulls. However, Brighton successfully mounted a comeback to claim a 3-2 victory at Old Trafford, heaping pressure on Carrick’s position as manager .

Teenage sensation JJ Gabriel was not named in United’s matchday squad for the cup tie following his request for the club to cancel his registration . The 15-year-old has made waves in United’s academy and looked to have a first team pathway, with club icon Roy Keane sharing his thoughts on Gabriel’s stance.

Meanwhile, former Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, who was previously part of United’s coaching staff watched the recent Carabao Cup clash from the stands. Here, Mirror Football looks at some of the biggest stories surrounding United.

United legend Keane has urged Gabriel to be patient for his first-team debut. The 15-year-old, who featured for the club during pre-season, is yet to be named in a matchday squad so far this term, and Keane believes it is the wrong time for the youngster to be thrown into Carrick’s team.

Giving his verdict on 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.’”

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Former Ipswich boss McKenna watched United’s plight in the Carabao Cup from the directors’ box at Old Trafford. The 40-year-old, who has been out of work since June, previously worked alongside Carrick as part of United’s coaching staff before beginning his managerial career with Ipswich in December 2021.

During his time in charge, McKenna’s side were twice promoted to the Premier League before choosing to leave this summer. United were previously linked with appointing the Northern Irishman as manager two years ago, but opted to extend Erik ten Hag’s contract.

Upon stepping down as Ipswich boss, McKenna said: “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.”